Thune s bill, the Medicare Access to Telehealth Services Act of 2000, will promote the use of telecommunication devices to deliver advanced health care to rural patients. These patients will be able to use telecommunications technology to consult with physicians, chiropractors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists and physical, occupational and speech therapists.
Technology has enormous potential for improving lives in our state.
With this legislation, South Dakota health care providers can use telehealth technology to diagnose heart disease, read x-rays, and treat patients with mental illness. Living in a rural area does not preclude our residents from accessing good, quality care. They don t have to decide between driving long distances to see their primary care provider or specialist or choosing not to seek care at all. Rural patients won t have to leave their hometowns to get needed and often life-saving health care and advice from specialists hundreds of miles away. Currently there are around 20 telehealth ventures in the state, but the use of this technology is largely funded through grants.