Telemedicine applications in otolaryngology.

Under suitable technical and clinical conditions, remote interactive fiber-optic NPL can be used to evaluate a range of commonly occurring pathologies with a high degree of reliability. A clinical protocol appropriate for interactive and store-and-forward fiber-optic NPL was proposed for further evaluation. Additional applications of telemedicine in otolaryngology were outlined, including otoscopy, intra-oral examination, and evaluation of external facial pathology. We envisage tele-otolaryngology taking place in a variety of ways: Interactions between rural-based PCPs and specialists (routine evaluation of hoarseness, dysphagia), using store-and-forward techniques. Consults from emergency medicine physicians at a general service hospital to a specialist (laryngeal trauma, acute peritonsillar abscess, TM perforations) using interactive means. Case discussions between specialist and sub-specialist using a combination of store-and-forward and interactive technologies. Potentially, there are at least three significant benefits from widespread acceptance of telemedicine in the field of otolaryngology, or indeed in any of the medical specialties: Saved lives and reduced medical costs due to early detection of serious pathology (in this case, head and neck cancers). Reduced unnecessary referrals to specialists, and consequent savings to the patient and health-care insurer, accompanied by more efficient usage of specialist time. Enhanced level of medical education and interaction, as the link between the referring and consulting physician is more immediate and direct [27]. For these reasons, combined with the high number of visits at the primary-care level related to issues in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, tele-otolaryngology is poised to be a leading telemedicine application within the next few years.