Telepresence Carts: Key Purchasing Considerations

The use of telemedicine is rapidly expanding. Various modalities of telemedicine are used to increase access to care and to achieve cost efficiencies. Specifically, the use of telepresence in healthcare has enabled organizations to bring clinical expertise to various virtual visit applications such as primary care, specialist consultations, procedure collaboration, tele-ICU, tele-stroke, and tele-psychiatry.

Telepresence carts for healthcare are often used to support such programs. Telepresence carts commonly incorporate a high-definition camera and audio capabilities, and allow clinicians to conduct examinations using common medical devices and accessories (e.g., stethoscope, examination camera) that are integrated into the system to facilitate observation by the remote provider.

Telepresence carts are mobile and can be used in a variety of care settings, from a physician's office to a hospital, and sometimes even during surgical procedures. Telepresence tools can also be used for collaboration between...