A University of Minnesota pilot supports the feasibility and value of a university-based, automated text messaging data collection system for use with Latina female adolescents, according to a study published in Journal of Medical Internet Research mHealth and uHealth.

“The stars are aligning” for telehealth this year, as legislators, corporations and state governments are showing growing interest in this field for its potential to reduce costs and improve access to care, Jonathan Linkous, CEO of the American Telemedicine Association, said during the association’s monthly meeting on Jan. 28.

Pilot projects focused on new technologies are addressing this pricey problem.

Investing in new and future leaders is different in healthcare than other industries, but just as important.

This year’s meeting offers new features such as an expanded Interoperability Showcase and Beacon Nation Live. 

Inpatient care is more complex than ever and when patients move from one unit to another, miscommunication can put patient care at risk.

Meaningful Use and ICD-10 aren’t negotiable when it comes to priorities for health IT leaders but other developments, such as analytics, patient engagement and changing payment models, offer opportunities for innovation in patient care. 

Several market estimates peg telehealth services for rapid and significant growth in coming years and results of clinical studies indicate that the investment is worthwhile.