Skyping the Doctor? More Older Adults Are Embracing Telemedicine

Most older Americans and their caregivers are willing to try telemedicine, such as a video visit via Skype or FaceTime to discuss medications, reports the Chicago Tribune . Nearly 9 in 10 adults ages 40 and over would be comfortable using at least one type of virtual healthcare for themselves or an aging loved one, according to a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Telemedicine also offers convenience to older adults who have chronic illnesses or mobility problems that make it difficult to even reach a doctor's office. There are concerns, however. About one-third of respondents worry about privacy or the security or health information, and roughly half fear that telemedicine could lead to lower-quality care, the poll shows. Insurance coverage is also an obstacle, as Medicare tightly restricts what it will pay for. Congress did recently pass a law expanding Medicare coverage for such options as video visits to diagnose stroke symptoms or check on home dialysis patients. In addition, Medicare Advantage programs used by one-third of beneficiaries can start offering additional telehealth options. "While the interest is huge, one of the big barriers remains reimbursement," said Johns Hopkins University telemedicine chief Dr. Ingrid Zimmer-Galler, who has turned to grants to help fund such services as telepsychiatry for people with dementia. The new law "is really a huge step in the right direction."