How will telemedicine affect health care costs?
Dr. Govern: Telemedicine can reduce time and lodging expenses usually required for travel for both professionals and patients participating in clinical trials. Since all involved in the care of the patient can stay within their communities, the system reduces time away from the workplace and thus reduces the usual lost wages and productivity for everyone involved, including the patient. Screening and consulting via telemedicine would also reduce the cost of unnecessary diagnostic tests and treatments, ultimately improving care and outcomes for patients in their battle against cancer. TELESYNERGY is an enabling technology, but we are also conducting a research project to study improvements to cancer research and care through its use. NCI’s Radiation Research Program is creating an online analytical database to formally collect specific examples and related data that quantify the cost savings, utilization, and value of TELESYNERGY Version 3. After each session, participants visit the Can
