Is Telemedicine the Key to Reducing Cost?

In a new report, "Telemedicine in the Ambulatory Setting: Trends, Opportunities and Challenges," Alpharetta, Ga.-based First Consulting Group says that telemedicine can help expand providers' patient capacity and cut costs for both patients and providers.

Currently there are approximately 90 million Americans suffering from chronic diseases, and new research suggests that telehealth may be part of the solution for dealing with the astronomic cost in terms of finances and resources, according to FCG.

The white paper's findings address such topics as who will pay for telehealth, the need to efficiently manage patients with chronic diseases, and the value of empowering patients.