Telemedicine is the delivery of medical care from a distant site. It utilizes interactive audio/video teleconferencing technology that allows a physician to see a patient and/or sonogram, and/or colposcopy in real time. Telemedicine includes a growing variety of applications and services, including two-way video, email, smartphones and wireless tools.

“Telemedicine allows patients to seek the care they need closer to home without the need to travel long distances,” said Dr. Curtis Lowery, chairman of the UAMS College of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and founder and medical director of the UAMS Center for Distance Health.

The potential for this technology in Arkansas is huge, with so many rural communities and residents residing great distances from quality healthcare. Also, “someone may seek care through telemedicine when a busy schedule makes seeing a physician in-office difficult, limited transportation or child care options make traveling difficult. Telemedicine addresses these barriers by bringing the care to the individual,” Lowery said.

UAMS is the first to offer this in Arkansas.