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Senate backs telehealth funding increase

Case Management Weekly, October 30, 2007

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The Senate has voted to increase funding for the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth by $6.8 million. The office supports the delivery of distance healthcare, whether by phone, Internet, or videoconference.

The increase was passed as an amendment to the 2008 Labor, HHS and Education appropriation bill. That makes its passage to the law books less than certain; commentators expect President Bush to veto the appropriation bill when it reaches his desk. The senator behind the amendment, John Thune (R-SD), claims the extra money would benefit rural states like his own.

"Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare in rural areas across the country," said Thune in a press release. "Telehealth is an important innovation that promises greater access to high-quality healthcare with reduced costs for patients and healthcare providers, especially in rural areas.

"Many South Dakotans do not live near certain specialists. Telehealth can bridge the gap between patients and medical services by enabling doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel to provide remote care."

Sources: iHealthBeat and the Senate Web site of Senator John Thune

Other articles of interest

Community hospitals back telemedicine

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