ATA to Host Fall Forum Focused on Telehealth in Chronic Care, Telemedicine in China, and Executive Leadership

Washington, DC, June 13, 2014 -- The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) will host its annual Fall Forum in Palm Desert, Calif., on Sept. 6-9, 2014. The forum will consist of two full days of program related to telehealth in chronic care, a full-day forum focused on telemedicine opportunities in China, and an executive leadership retreat for CEO’s of the world’s leading healthcare technology companies and institutions.

“Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the leading causes of death and disability,” said Jonathan D. Linkous, CEO of ATA. “As a nation, 75 percent of our healthcare dollars go to treatment of chronic diseases. This forum will bring together the nation’s leading experts to discuss how to successfully integrate telecommunications technology for chronically ill patients outside of traditional health delivery institutions.”

Over the past twenty years there has been extensive research surrounding the use of telemedicine to prevent, treat and manage chronic diseases; however, identifying what works and what does not, based on validated evidence, has never before been brought together in one place. The goal of the forum is to fill that void. Key topics that will be addressed will include ROI models for remote patient monitoring (RPM), innovative payment strategies for chronic disease management, tactics to reduce readmissions, legal and regulatory issues, outcomes research for telehealth utilization for specific chronic diseases, innovative technologies, and how to select the right patients for telehealth and consumer engagement.

In addition to two full days of program related to managing and improving chronic conditions, ATA will host a full-day American-Chinese Telemedicine Forum on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014. The forum, co-sponsored by the American International Telemedicine Council, will deliver the tools and information that is essential to building a successful telemedicine business abroad. Attendees will learn about the existing clinical and business landscape of telemedicine in China, and how to establish key partnerships to help their respective health system, or business, grow in the international market.

The Fall Forum will also feature a CEO brunch open exclusively to the top executives from health institutions and corporations from around the world. The brunch, open by invitation only, will consist of an executive briefing on telemedicine and high-level strategy summit.

Over fifty telemedicine, telehealth and mHealth product and service providers will showcase their innovations in the Fall Forum exhibit hall.

The forum will provide ample opportunity for networking including a full day of golf and tennis events at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014, to kick off the conference.

ATA is currently seeking proposals to participate in the program either as a speaker, a respondent, or contributor to the development of a brief research paper for the following topic areas:

1. Proven Positive Return on Investment Models for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM):

ATA is seeking successful business models and associated value propositions to integrate telehealth applications for chronic illness management. Start-up costs, revenue options and managing accelerating demand are critical elements to note. On-going programs with large populations and research results of validated studies are welcome.

2. Innovative Payment Strategies for Chronic Disease Management:

Bundled payments, medical homes and Accountable Care Organizations are but a few of the alternatives to fee-for-service models that are available to providers seeking to integrate remote monitoring and non-institutional approaches to care delivery.

3. Legal and Regulatory Issues for Chronic Disease Management:

Identifying and dealing with regulatory and legislative barriers are critical. ATA is seeking panelists to provide expertise and advice for others. Specific topics may include such areas as FDA device regulation, state licensure, privacy and liability.

4. Using Telehealth for Specific Chronic Diseases:

The term chronic illness covers many diseases and conditions from Addison’s disease to ulcers. Each requires specific monitoring, therapy and intervention approaches. ATA is seeking proven, widely-scalable approaches using telehealth to meet the needs of specific chronic illnesses including the approach, cost and technology used. Best practices and examples of how such uses are integrated into ongoing healthcare and, of course, the outcomes related to quality, cost and access are all required factors. Specific illnesses include chronic heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), Parkinson’s, stroke and obesity.

5. Emerging Technologies and Innovations for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM):

ATA is seeking the latest developments and future trends in the use of technology for chronic disease management. Non-commercial prototypes and developmental concepts are sought, including automated disease diagnoses and management tools.

6. Consumer Engagement in Managing Chronic Diseases:

Much has been written about consumer engagement for chronic disease management but what is needed, and what ATA is seeking, are documented, proven approaches that result in long-term consumer and caregiver buy-in, and impact of using telecommunications technologies to help with their chronic disease management.

7. Reducing Hospital Readmissions with Telehealth:

A majority of hospitals are looking for ways to reduce readmissions in order to avoid possible penalties as well as control costs for captivated health plans. ATA is seeking examples of where and why this has succeeded and how others can emulate the approach.

8. Managing the Data:

The proliferation of technologies that can be used in remote monitoring creates a tsunami of data for physicians and care managers. ATA is seeking proven automated processes and management tools that can be used to handle the flow of data while improving the quality of care.

9. Selecting the Right Patient:

Critical components in managing and improving care for the chronically ill include identifying the appropriate patient and implementing the appropriate technology and coordination strategy that will yield success. ATA is seeking best practices and lessons learned related to this challenge.

Those interested in taking part in a panel presentation, participating as a respondent or research paper contributor, please submit:

• a brief bio
• name & contact info
• presentation topic
• why ATA should select your presentation
• what role you want to play (presenter, respondent or research paper)

This information should be sent to info(at)americantelemed(dot)org with the subject heading as “Fall Forum Participation.” Selected participants will receive a 50 percent discount off registration. The deadline to submit a presentation application is July 13, 2014.

For more information, visit http://www.americantelemed.org

About the American Telemedicine Association
The American Telemedicine Association is the leading international resource and advocate promoting the use of advanced remote medical technologies. ATA and its diverse membership, works to fully integrate telemedicine into transformed healthcare systems to improve quality, equity and affordability of healthcare throughout the world. Established in 1993, ATA is headquartered in Washington, DC. For more information visit http://www.americantelemed.org.