Overview on the Challenges and Benefits of Using Telehealth Tools in a Pediatric Population

Telehealth in Pediatric Medicine presents many of the same benefits and challenges noted in adult-based medicine. In terms of health care delivery, the promise of improving access and reducing costs using telehealth in Pediatrics, particularly chronic care, is high. The ability to address clinician shortages and provide remote guidance for chronic care pathways from pediatric subspecialists to rural-based referring physicians is a developing model that represents a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to improve pediatric care. The adoption and implementation of consistent telehealth programs require a readjustment of current regulatory rules and a national discussion on reimbursement and compliance standards. Presently, state laws generally define the rules, whereby health systems or practices can use telehealth for patient care and education. Long-term telehealth program development depends on the ongoing value and use case provided by pediatric advocates for this emerging health care delivery model.