Using broadband-enabled telemedicine for treatment in medically underserved communities

Despite advances in twenty-first century medicine, health disparities persist in rural communities. Health care providers need broadband connections of high quality in order to fully utilize the wide range of telehealth applications. Often, funding support for such connectivity is a major barrier to telehealth implementation. The broadband networks supported by the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program have enhanced health care providers’ ability to utilize numerous telemedicine applications and offer health care to patients who would otherwise have to travel great distances to see medical specialists or forego health care entirely. The RHC program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program with $400 million annually available to provide reduced rates for telecommunications service and broadband access used for the provision of health care services. The Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Program, the newest component of the RHC Program, expands the benefits of telemedicine by offering funding that encourages the formation of new consortia networks comprised of both rural and non-rural health care providers.

This presentation will highlight the strategies of some health care providers supported by the RHC Program who have adopted a variety of telehealth applications, including the provision of telemedicine, the development of health information exchanges (HIEs), and remote training of medical personnel via videoconference. Representatives of the RHC Program will also give an overview of the application process and direct attendees to educational resources available to applicants.