International Health Care for Expatriates and Travellers through Telemedicine: A Discussion

Abstract

Driven by the global economy, employees in US organisations can expect an increase in international assignments. These assignments may be in locations that lack acceptable levels of health care services. The challenge for US organisa tions is to provide health services for their employees comparable to those avail able in their country. Telemedicine seems to be an option. It is the exchange of medical information from one site to another via electronic communication. This technology significantly increases the ability to deliver health care services to employees functioning outside the country. Telemedicine provides a virtual visit to the doctor's office, including access to complete patient records and the health care provider of the employee's choice. It supports faster, more accurate diagnosis and treatment, resulting in a higher quality of health care. Primary care physicians, medical specialists and referring physicians are able to share test results electronically, eliminating the problems of distance and time-consuming travel for health care. This paper discusses the improvements available in inter national health care as the result of telemedicine and technology innovations.