Teleneurology is the new and vastly expanding practice of neurology involving the use of technology and/or video chat to improve access to services. With an ever-increasing aging population there is and will continue to be a shortage of neurologists in the United States. Teleneurology has increased patient access to neurologists especially in rural areas but also in urban and suburban areas.
Practicing as a teleneurologist for the last two years I can log on to secure video chats compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). I see patients in Florida, New Hampshire, North Carolina, or other states where I have a medical license. I connect within minutes, take a history from the patient or family, and do a physical exam with the help of trained staff at the hospital.
For acute stroke, I can give tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to patients in rural areas or major cities where a neurologist is not physically present. I can also treat conditions including status epilepticus, headaches/migraines, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, or other neurological disorders. I have access to view the electronic medical records of patients including imaging, lab work, and other testing. I have the ability to put in orders and to function as the inpatient neurology consultant.
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