The state of Texas defines telemedicine as a remote health care service in which a physician may assess, diagnose, consult, treat, or transfer medical data using technology. It is a convenient, affordable way to access health care services, and recent advances in audio-visual communications technology are enlarging the potential of telemedicine to reach more people and address a growing number of health care needs. More importantly, this service could increase access to health care in more than 90% of Texas counties that are designated health professional shortage areas or medically underserved areas.
Don’t Fence Me In: Challenges for Health Care in Rural Texas
LLANO, TEXAS—Dr. Jack Franklin often stops for coffee on his way to his modest office in this Texas Hill Country town. With a population of about 3,300, Llano is small enough that he’s bound to bump into a patient or two from time to time. At the Fuel Coffee House, he’s even served his daily...