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California experimenting with telemedicine to lower cost of chronic diseases

Case Management Weekly, February 12, 2008

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Treating chronic disease consumes the majority of healthcare expenditures in the U.S., and diabetes is one chronic illness that is taking up more than its fair share of spending. According to the American Diabetes Association, spending on diabetes care increased 32% from 2002 to 2007, and now accounts for one out of every five dollars spent on healthcare in the country.

Many telemedicine projects have shown that the use of such technology can reduce costs associated with chronic disease and improve treatment, particularly among uninsured and minority populations who may lack adequate healthcare coverage. But such technology is costly, meaning adoption rates remain slow. To encourage more telemedicine, California recently passed legislation authorizing California's Medical Board to expand statewide telemedicine projects.

California has already seen success with pilot programs targeting Spanish-speaking residents, resulting in increased access to preventive care and reduced long-term costs.

Source: California Healthline

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