title: Successful implementation of a telemedicine-based counseling program for high-risk patients with breast cancer.
abstract: An interactive audio and video telemedicine feasibility program was established to provide counseling on breast cancer risk-reducing strategies for underserved, high-risk Alaskan native women through a collaboration among the Alaska Native Medical Center, the Mayo Clinic Breast Clinic, Mayo's Center for Innovation, and the Alaska Federal Health Care Access Network. The telemedicine model included a navigator to facilitate patient encounters (referrals, electronic records, and scheduling) and a subscription billing contract. Between January 1 and December 31, 2011, 60 consultations were provided to the Alaska Native Medical Center. A survey of a sample of 15 women demonstrated overall patient satisfaction of 98% pertaining to the experience, technology, and medical consultation. The referring physician satisfaction, from 11 visit surveys and 8 referring physicians, revealed 99% satisfaction with the service. In this telemedicine pilot study, we demonstrated the feasibility of a telemedicine program to provide integrated specialty care that resulted in a positive effect on patient satisfaction. This program has a sustainable business model, thus creating a new modality for health care delivery.
authors.affiliation: Breast Diagnostic Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. pruthi.sandhya@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Sandhya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pruthi
authors.forename: Kevin J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Stange
authors.forename: Gerald D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Malagrino
authors.forename: Kashmira S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Chawla
authors.forename: Nicholas F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: LaRusso
authors.forename: Judith S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kaur
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000413:Alaska; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012424:Rural Population; D017216:Telemedicine