USC recognized that the need for direct computerized input of patient treatment records was essential for the improvement of healthcare management, patient servicing, productivity, and cost controls. To that end, they designed an integrated system that builds upon their existing legacy systems. As legacy HISs and CISs are encountered, new interoperability methods are added to the EMR without disturbing the current utility of the EMR or the systems that rely on the information it contains. One important application of the integrated EMR is telemedicine. Video teleconferencing can also be used to facilitate the exchange of detailed photography and time-dependent issues.
Ease of use is critical to the success of telemedicine.
Using the VAMC, the physician simply points and clicks on icons to begin a videoconference, send or request images, access patient records, use online medical libraries, and even send e-mail. The VAMC makes sophisticated resources widely available to any physician who has a low-cost desktop PC on a computer network. Further, it provides a common framework for physicians to share and discuss medical data on line, in real time. A patient is discharged after a complex surgery. Upon arriving home, the family has questions regarding the patient's needs for recovery.