Telemedicine offers benefits, risks

Federal Drive

Telemedicine offers benefits, risks

While telemedicine may sound like science fiction, it is already a reality, Scholl said. And NIST is working on standards to make the overlaying technology work.

Federal News Network Staff

November 2, 2011 10:11 am

< a min read

wfedstaff | June 4, 2015 1:27 pm

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Mobile computing offers its own promises and pitfalls.

Now consider telemedicine initiatives on mobile devices. It could mean better information access for patients and their doctors. But it also presents a security challenge.

Matt Scholl, the deputy division chief of cybersecurity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology joined the Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Amy Morris live from the 2011 AFCEA Bethesda Health IT Day.

Matt Scholl, deputy division chief for cybersecurity, NIST

While it may sound like science fiction, telemedicine is already a reality, Scholl said. Efforts are well underway and appear to be on track, he added.

“At NIST, we’re very much involved with the underlying standards work that allow for the interoperability, allow for the exchange, allow for the telemedicine to occur in a safe, secure and meaningful manner. These standards are essential for the underpinnings to allow for the overlaying technology to be built and for innovation to happen.

Check out more coverage of AFCEA Bethesda Health IT Day 2011.