Telemedicine in the care of the end-stage renal disease patient.

Interactive video was used to monitor patients undergoing hemodialysis in a rural community over a 55-mile distance. Between April of 1991 and April 1993, the Texas Telemedicine Project sponsored the contact and record management. During this period, 1,500 patient contacts were documented. After the termination of the Texas Telemedicine Projects, the transmission lines were maintained between the central dialysis center and the satellite facility. Between 1993 and 1996, another 12,000 patient contacts were made. Dialysis monitoring accounted for approximately 80% of contacts, and 20% were nondialysis (primary care) contacts. This report discusses the historical and recent developments of interactive video medical care delivery and technical and medical implications of this emerging medium.