Senator honored for encouraging video conferencing in healthcare
September 14, 2011
Senator Kent Conrad from North Dakota was recently honored as a National Healthcare Leader for his efforts in using video conferencing technology to bring healthcare information and access to patients in rural areas. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society applauded the senator implementing telehealth and health information technologies to improve the quality of patient care and the efficiency of healthcare providers.
According to Conrad, the use of video conferencing by doctors to consult with patients at any point through their treatment or care could save healthcare providers billions of dollars a year and save thousands of lives in the process.
"Telehealth is nothing less than a lifesaver," Conrad said. "It allows patients in rural areas in North Dakota - and across the nation - to access the cutting-edge medical care they need without having to drive long distances to reach a clinic or specialist."
And the medical benefits of video conferencing are not limited to hospitals and private practice doctors. Craines New York recently reported that nutritionists and trainers are adopting the communication technology to help clients in different locations live healthier lifestyles. Chef and nutritionist, Tricia Williams told the news source she uses video conferencing technology to teach her cooking classes to students who have moved away or cannot come to class as frequently as they would like.
"People are less likely to cancel appointments, because it's right there," Williams told the news source. "They can stay at home and talk to me in their sweats."
If you can measure it, You can manage it!
