VITAL SIGNS VIA BROADBAND: - Broadband Illinois

-26-of 2008 there were over 200 currently operating telemedicine networks in the US, connectingover 3000 health facilities ranging from hospitals to prisons. 84Overall, both home care agencies and rural health care organizations seem to be takingfirst steps into remote monitoring, especially where grant funds are available. However, there areindications that more support is needed; usage levels within agencies remain low in some cases,and video adoption has been very slow. Additionally, purchases seem to be heavily dependent ongrants: the NAHCH study found that the majority of agencies bought rather than leased theirequipment, and that 90 percent of small agencies bought their equipment. 85There will continue to be impediments to the adoption of telemedicine until significantchanges are made in Medicare and insurance reimbursement policies making home monitoringfinancially feasible for small agencies.2. Adoption of Specific Remote Monitoring CapabilitiesThe monitoring of patients’ status and vital signs is the most widely employed ability oftelehomecare at present. The three most common sensors in the NAHCH survey (each employedby over 90 percent of the agencies using telemonitoring) are blood pressure monitors, pulseoximeters, and scales. 86These are non-invasive sensors that are easy for patients or familymembers to use and which, together, provide remote care providers a powerful tool for caremanagement and for early diagnosis of chronic disease exacerbations. The sensors are used bothfor chronic disease patients and for patients at home following hospitalizations or surgeries.84. JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITIES OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND PUBLICHEALTH CARE FACILITIES, REPORT TO CONGRESS, 25 (2008).85. NAHCH at 35. Purchasing vs. buying is relevant because most grants prohibit ongoing leasecommitments.86. Pulse oximeters measure the oxygen saturation of the patient’s blood. See the MedLinePlus HealthDictionary at the National Institutes of Health, http://www2.merriam-webster.com/cgibin/mwmednlm?book=Medical&va=pulse%20oximeter(last viewed May 27, 2008).