Telemedicine links Iowans in rural areas to specialized medical providers practicing in urban settings. Advanced technology and communications open patient access and economic opportunity to small town and farm residents.
High technology makes medical breakthroughs available to people in rural America.
Services provided to seniors in these towns have been eligible for Medicare reimbursement. Last year, I worked to expand telemedicine services in Iowa to reach Medicare beneficiaries living in additional rural areas. As a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, I sought to require Medicare reimbursement for telemedicine services at additional sites in Iowa. Greater use of this high tech access would help more older citizens to continue receiving cutting edge, quality care in their hometown communities. The expanded sites will serve patients in Albia, Ames, Belmond, Britt, Carroll, Charles City, Corydon, Des Moines, Greenfield, Eldora, Forest City, Graettinger, Iowa Falls, Johnston, Madrid, Manning, Marshalltown, Mason City, Nevada, Osage, Ruthven, and Spencer.