The true benefits of telemedicine are yet to be realized. The reasons are linked to business, economic and operational issues, not technology application. Telemedicine is an application of specific technologies designed to fill a health care delivery need, while expanding the geographic footprint of the overall delivery systems. It offers the opportunity for competitive advantage in a dynamic industry through improved quality, expanded care delivery and reduced cost. Telemedicine's true impact on the care delivery process will be fully realized once these opportunities have been optimized within a health care system.
