Through the use of advanced computer technology, and visual two-way live communication, physicians can now give real-time treatment to patients even though they may not even be in the same area or state! Through a new system known as Telemedicine, this has become a reality. Patient consultation and diagnosis, as well as dissemination of public health alerts, and emergency updates are all taken care of through this system, with all information recorded for later reference. Many years ago it was nothing for doctors to make house calls, while this is now cost-prohibitive; Telemedicine provides the next best thing. Through this System, doctors not only can talk to the patients, but they can monitor blood pressure, the pulse, and observe wounds, as well as listen to the heart and lungs, and take your temperature.

It's a remarkable way of providing care to those that cannot travel outside their rural areas. For the patient it could keep burdensome travel time and costs way down while getting almost immediate attention from the doctor or specialist. This can provide a longer productive life due to the quick attention a patient can receive. Cash-strapped rural areas can now keep their hard-earned dollars in the local economy by providing local help through this remarkable advancement. In addition it will provide jobs for local technicians who are important to the operation of its newly advanced design. All these benefits are advantages to the physician in the same way as the patient. Because of the localized visual and audio communication the health care specialists can also keep their costs down as well. It is predicted that very soon this will even be offered directly for home service, saving even more time and effort.

As with all new procedures there are possible downsides. The most obvious is a malfunction of equipment. This could be through the equipment itself or the designated line provided for its use. How will federal health care approach its use, and will possible Medicare reformation requirements cause prohibitive costs? Mal-practice insurance will be of concern to health care specialists as well. Although Telemedicine provides very good treatment at this time, it isn't exactly the same as hands-on consultation and treatment. Telemedicine is advancement in medicine and these concerns will definitely be worked out. Overtime the federal government, the American Medical Association, and all others that are involved will come to terms with this beneficial discovery.