Telecommunications
Subtitle: FCC's performance management weaknesses could jeopardize proposed reforms of the Rural Health Care Program : report to congessional requesters
Contributors: Goldstein, Mark L.
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 78
Subjects: Management; Evaluation; Telecommunication in medicine; Federal aid to rural health services; Internet in medicine; United States. Federal Communications Commission; United States
Other titles: Telecommunications :; FCC's performance management weaknesses could jeopardize proposed reforms of the Rural Health Care Program; FCC's Rural Health care Program
Description: Telemedicine offers a way to improve health care access for patients in rural areas. The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Rural Health Care Program, established in 1997, provides discounts on rural health care providers' telecommunications and information services (primary program) and funds broadband infrastructure and services (pilot program). GAO was asked to review (1) how FCC has managed the primary program to meet the needs of rural health care providers, and how well the program has addressed those needs; (2) how FCC's design and implementation of the pilot program affected participants; and (3) FCC's performance goals and measures for both the primary program and the pilot program, and how these goals compare with the key characteristics of successful performance goals and measures. GAO reviewed program documents and data, interviewed program staff and relevant stakeholders, and surveyed all 61 pilot program participants with recent participation in the program. GAO recommends that the FCC Chairman assess rural health care providers' needs, consult with knowledgeable stakeholders, develop performance goals and measures, and develop and execute sound performance evaluation plans.
Notes: Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed on Dec. 21, 2010).

"November 2010."

"GAO-11-27."

Includes bibliographical references.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Reader.