Oral

Telehealth includes a wide array of services including but not limited to video consultation, asynchronous transfer of medical images, and the use of remote monitoring devices. It has been recognized as a valuable tool in the home health care setting and is permitted as a service under Medicare for home health care services benefit. Remote monitoring allows patients to transfer information directly to their provider. In the past this required using devices that were plugged into a phone or computer internet line to allow for the transfer of the information. However, in today’s modern world, this is rapidly being replaced by wireless technology that allows the patient to transmit the information from anywhere there is a wireless connection. The value of telehealth, especially for an aging or disabled population has been widely documented. This session will focus on the use of telehealth and telemedicine devices and their effectiveness in the management and care of chronic health conditions, such as congestive heart failure, Additionally, information on how to develop a sustainable telehelath program will be delivered along with case study analysis on the use of telehealth along the Gulfcoast after Hurricane Katrina in addition to the rural areas of Ultar Pradesh, located within India.

Session Objectives: 1. Define what constitutes telehelath and how it is used in public helath 2. Demonstrate the benefits of telehealth with chronic health conditions 3. Identify how telehealth can reduce health disparities in rural communities