Neurological disorders are one of the greatest threats to public health. However, access to neurologic experts is limited by patient disability, distance, and inadequate numbers of providers. Teleneurology enables neurology to be practiced when the doctor and patient are not present in the same place, and possibly not at the same time. The global proliferation of technology has the potential to improve and increase access to neurological care for billions of people.
The American Stroke Association [ASA] has a framework for the stroke care delivery model which recommends the implementation of telemedicine as one strategy to improve access and care. The American Academy of Neurology Board [AAN] has approved a policy position statement on stroke care recommending the availability of telemedicine services and also endorses equitable reimbursement for telemedicine services similar to in-person on-call stroke-specific services.
Teleneurology is currently most commonly applied in emergency stroke [telestroke] and neurocritical care, however; its role in managing patients with other chronic disorders, new neurologic outpatient referrals or consultations, and e-consults from other health sources are being explored on a huge level. Teleneurology is thus in a position to offer specialized care on a scale previously unmatched by conventional care.
At www.advancedtelemedservices.com experienced USA board-certified neurologists offer highly expert teleconsultations via teleconferencing facilities as well as reporting services to help on-time diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for headaches, dementia, strokes, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis among other conditions. Interpretation of EMGs, NCVs, and other complex nerve conduction studies is done and reported within a few hours to aid in timely diagnosis and treatment.
Advanced Telemed Services ensures the highest standards of quality of reporting and teleneurology services. With the narrowing gap between patients with neurological disease and trained doctors, a future is now increasingly possible in which neurological care can be accessed by anyone, anywhere.
Sources:-
- Wechsler LR, Tsao JW, Levine SR, et al. Teleneurology applications: Report of the Telemedicine Work Group of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2013;80(7):670-6.
- Wechsler LR. Advantages and Limitations of Teleneurology. JAMA Neurol. 2015;72(3):349–354. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2014.3844.
- Nature Reviews Neurology volume14, pages285–297 (2018).
- Teleneurology. (2005). Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 11(2), 55–59.