With new computer software and compatible
medical devices, physicians and patients can view vital physiological data
in streaming real time over the Internet. This will allow, for example,
a primary care physician to obtain a real-time consult on an electrocardiogram
(EKG) reading from a cardiologist in a remote location, or for a patient
with asthma to send their latest peak-flow reading to their physician for
immediate analysis.
This type of access is the result of a collaboration between QRS Diagnostic
LLC, which provides the medical devices, and TeleVital, Inc., which developed
the software. Spirometry, oximetry, and wireless electroencephalogram (EEG)
and EKG devices are available now, as is a device to measure vital signs.
There are plans to include a blood pressure device in the near future.
Using a computer with an Internet connection (56K or higher), a Web browser
and one of the Web-enabled medical devices, physicians and patients who
have registered can log onto a secure site through TeleVital's main site
<www.televital.com> and send or receive physiological readings in real time.
In addition, both physicians and patients can send e-mail or instant messages
or review medical history. Physicians can also send medical history forms
or other questionnaires to patients through the site. TeleVital is currently
working on encryption technology for the site and hopes to be compliant
with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability patient privacy requirements
by the end of this year.
Certain procedures using this technology are eligible for reimbursement
by Medicare in accordance with telemedicine guidelines of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. |
