Telemedicine Applications in Sleep Disordered Breathing: Thinking Out of the Box.

Telemedicine as a means of remote patient-physician interaction is growing and virtual consultations with sleep specialists are feasible. Potential benefits of telemedicine include improved access to health care, reduced waiting time for appointments, and increased adherence to treatment plans. Telematic communications and new information technologies could also be useful to establish diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. It is important to install cost-efficient technologies for an initial simple diagnosis, rapid treatment initiation and for long-term monitoring of treatment adherence and compliance. Diagnostic telemedicine applications include telemonitored polysomnography, long-term polygraphic monitoring, and remote continuous positive airway pressure titration and monitoring.