title: Virtual visits for Parkinson disease: A case series.
abstract: We sought to characterize recommendations and feedback of patients with Parkinson disease, each offered a free telemedicine consultation with a specialist. Visits consisted of history, neurologic examination, and recommendations. Midway through the program, patients were asked to complete an online satisfaction survey. From August 2012 to May 2013, 55 patients in 5 states (mean age 67.8 years) participated, with 80% of visits conducted from their home. Patients with Parkinson disease were recommended to exercise (86%), change current medication (63%), and add new medication (53%). Thirty-three of 35 consecutive patients completed a survey. Patient satisfaction exceeded 90% for virtually all aspects of the visit measured. Providing care to patients in their homes via telemedicine is feasible, results in changes to care, and is well-received.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology (VV, ERD), Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore; Johns Hopkins University (SJD), Baltimore, MD; Department of Neurology (KMB), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; and PatientsLikeMe (PW), Cambridge, MA.
authors.forename: Vinayak
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Venkataraman
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology (VV, ERD), Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore; Johns Hopkins University (SJD), Baltimore, MD; Department of Neurology (KMB), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; and PatientsLikeMe (PW), Cambridge, MA.
authors.forename: Sean J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Donohue
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology (VV, ERD), Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore; Johns Hopkins University (SJD), Baltimore, MD; Department of Neurology (KMB), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; and PatientsLikeMe (PW), Cambridge, MA.
authors.forename: Kevin M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Biglan
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology (VV, ERD), Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore; Johns Hopkins University (SJD), Baltimore, MD; Department of Neurology (KMB), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; and PatientsLikeMe (PW), Cambridge, MA.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wicks
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology (VV, ERD), Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore; Johns Hopkins University (SJD), Baltimore, MD; Department of Neurology (KMB), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; and PatientsLikeMe (PW), Cambridge, MA.
authors.forename: E Ray
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Dorsey