Telemedicine Benefits

Introduction
Telemedicine is a new advancement that allows medical information to be exchanged and transferred through the phone or internet to improve an individual's health. Approximately, 30% of physicians believe that the use of telemedicine can reduce both error in medical practice, and reduce treatment cost, while improving medical care. There are four main services that can be provided by telemedicine: primary care and specialist referral services, remote patient monitoring, consumer medical and health information, and medical education. Each of these services is dedicated to helping health professionals better communicate with one another and their patients. Telemedicine has four fundamental benefits: improved access, cost efficiencies,

Therefore, it is imperative for physicians and specialist to meet the demands for cancer care. One way to meet the demands is through the use of telemedicine, which will allow critically ill patients to have access to a top notch team of physicians from anywhere in the world. For example, U.S. Hospitals have been using telemedicine to remotely monitor patients with the use of a simple webcam. Currently, telemedicine is in place in 100 to 200 networks around the country, and close to 1 million patients received consultations online via webcam in 2014. At the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center (UMGCC) telemedicine program, patients now have the ability to receive cancer treatment at affiliated community hospitals. Subsequently, patients will now have the opportunity to be apart of the same clinical trials and innovative treatments that are currently available at major healthcare centers. Another benefit is that patients will be able to remain in their communities, while receiving the expertise of top physicians. Not only can physicians communicate with their patients in an efficient manner, but physicians can communicate with each other to receive advice on cases. This will allow patients to have the best possible outcome. For instance, doctors can assess and evaluate patient's films, X-rays and other materials together at the same time with telemedicine. UMGCC physicians have utilized this

By providing Cancer Genetic Counseling individuals who are at a high risk of having hereditary cancer will receive information and resources that can help assess their situation. Unfortunately, CGC services are typically centered in urban areas, resulting in limited access to counseling in rural communities. However, with the help of telemedicine patients in rural areas can receive genetic counseling in a efficient manner. It is important to allow patients in all areas to receive CGC, since CGC effectively delivers intricate information that facilities, competent decision making for prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. For example, CGC is most used for early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. This has led to a decrease in cancer concerns and anxiety, since patients are receiving risk management at an early