A recent study has shown that telemedicine for weight loss is effective in helping participants lose significantly more weight than individuals who do not engage in remote health coaching. Combined with physical activity monitoring and low glycemic carbohydrates, the key component appears to be ongoing support through weekly telemedicine sessions with a health coach. Read more
It’s well-known that a physician’s bedside manner can help him reassure and relate to a patient, but what about “webside” manner? With the growing popularity of telemedicine, the bulk of the attention is given to the technology driving the industry, but providers are finding that their body language cues are taking on entirely new meanings in front of the webcam. Read more
When it comes to treating stroke, every moment counts. A stroke patient only has a three-hour window from symptom onset in which access to the clot-busting and lifesaving drug tPA can do the most good; after that, the chances of recovery plummet. Unfortunately, many regional and rural hospitals don’t have a 24-hour neurologist on hand to make timely diagnoses. To make things worse, only about 27 percent of stroke patients arrive at the hospital within 3.5 hours of symptom onset, leaving nearly three-quarters of stroke patients at risk for more permanent damage. (1) In an effort to deliver care to patients in a timelier manner, systems are increasingly looking into mobile telestroke programs. Read more
Thanks to ever-improving technology, an impressive 96 percent of the cell towers in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey remained functional, enabling weather correspondents to provide continuous “on the scene” updates—a vast improvement over the limited coverage provided by satellites in the past. This upgrade in wireless technology has significant ramifications for mobile health (mHealth); if meteorologists can use wireless connections consistently and reliably, then so can telemedicine providers. Read more
It’s a good thing that Texas just passed a law easing restrictions on telemedicine visits; otherwise, countless children displaced by Hurricane Harvey would likely be unable to receive prompt medical care for recent injuries, infections, or chronic conditions like asthma. Luckily, the new telemedicine legislation permits real-time visits without an initial in-person visit, allowing doctors across the state to see the children through the technology. Read more
Thanks to telemedicine, medical drones are one giant step closer to reality. A research team in Mississippi has created three prototypes of a medical drone that can fly to the site of a natural or man-made disaster while carrying audiovisual equipment and medical supplies. Once the telemedicine drone arrives, a remote doctor can see the patient’s condition through the webcam and provide first aid directions. Read more
Congress is revisiting a bill that seeks to extend Medicare reimbursement for telestroke services across the nation. Under the Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine (FAST) Act, Medicare would cover telestroke services regardless of the patient’s location; currently, coverage only encompasses specific rural areas. Read more
TechTarget recently highlighted swyMed as one of the most interesting technologies at ATA 2016, the annual conference and trade show of the American Telemedicine Association. Considering that 279 exhibitors competed for the attention of 6,000 visitors, we’re pleased to have made an impression. Read more
Telemedicine is quickly becoming a game-changer for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The physical disability caused by MS makes it difficult for patients to visit their doctors and physical therapists, but a recent study found that participating in telerehabilitation programs can improve postural control and balance. For these patients, telemedicine for MS can mean the difference between a devastating fall and regaining balance. Read more
As mentioned last week, swyMed has been chosen for the 2016 Innovation Showcase, which features the 20 most promising startup companies in the telecommunications industry. swyMed COO/CCO Jeffrey Urdan recently spoke with RCR Wireless News about some of swyMed’s cutting-edge features. Read more
