Telemedicine in Leading US Neurology Departments

• DOI: 10.1177/1941874412450716
• Publication Date: 2012-07-19T11:25:37Z
• Authors: Benjamin P. George; Nicholas J. Scoglio; Jason I. Reminick; Balaraman Rajan; Christopher A. Beck; Abraham Seidmann; Kevin M. Biglan; E. Ray Dorsey
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 3. Good health

Objective: To determine the current practice and plans for telemedicine at leading US neurology departments. Design Setting: An electronic survey was sent to department chairs, administrators, or faculty involved in 47 departments representing top 50 hospitals as ranked by U.S. News World Report. Main Outcome Measures: Current use, size, scope, reimbursement, perceived quality of services. Results: A total 32 individuals from 30 responded (64% response rate). The primary respondents were (66%) chairs (22%). Of responding departments, 60% (18 30) currently provide most (n = 12) had initiated services within last 2 years. Two thirds those not providing plan do so a year. Departments patients state, out internationally, but only 6 more than consultations principal applications stroke 14), movement disorders 4), neurocritical care 3). Most received external funding services, few 3) payment insurers (eg, Medicare, Medicaid). Reimbursement 21) frequently identified barrier implementing majority 20) find be equivalent in-person care. Conclusions: Over 85% use implement next Addressing reimbursement may allow its broader application.