[20170511]IF10649_远程医疗和医疗保险.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated May 11, 2017Telehealth and MedicareIntroduction Telehealth is a multidimensional set of health care services delivered via a range of telecommunications technologies, including the Internet, video, and telephone, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). Access to telehealth services involves a broad range of providers, services, settings, modalities, and patients. For example, telehealth providers include physicians, nurses, and psychotherapists who examine and prescribe treatment for patients who are located at home, at a health center, or other location that separates the provider and patient. Telehealth providers may consult with patients via synchronous communication, such as live videoconferencing, or asynchronous communication, such as store-and-forward technologies. “Store and forward” technologies feature a time delay between the capture and evaluation of patient data. Store-and-forward telehealth is used by some providers to assess radiologic images, photos, and videos that are shared among providers for consultative purposes, when a face-to-face visit is not required. For detailed information on telehealth and