Telemedicine introduces opportunities for improved access to health care services for all Americans -- regardless of geography -- with lower costs and better outcomes, according to the Center for Health Transformation.

TelaDoc Medical Services, which currently serves more than 1.2 million members, was used as a model for understanding the concept of telephonic medical consults. Key benefits of using telephone medical consults include: access, particularly for rural residents; quality; affordability; efficiency; convenience; patient satisfaction; productivity; and early intervention in the disease process -- reducing morbidity, mortality, and saving money. Currently, more than 1.5 million Americans have access to this option with significant growth projected as more employers, health plans and other benefits payers recognize the opportunity for improving access to quality care and reducing expenditures.