Midwest Rural Telemedicine Consortium (MRTC)

Technology

Telemedicine technologies and practices have been under development in the United States for more than 35 years. During the last 15 years, there has been major growth in the industry; growing from three active telemedicine programs to more than 200 today.

In addition, digital technologies allow faster information transmission and many of the previously bulky and expensive systems are now much smaller. Additionally, images and sound can be transmitted across digital phone lines or the Internet and high resolution diagnostic images can be sent for consultative opinion instantaneously. For example, a specialist can hear heart and lung sounds hundreds of miles from the patient.

The Iowa Communications Network (ICN), a statewide fiber optic network built and operated by the State of Iowa, provides the telecommunications services for the MRTC.