Telemedicine, the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of telecommunications technology, is the subject of recently launched study to decrease ED overcrowding. A group of physicians in San Diego trialed a program that pages an offsite MD when the ED becomes busy. An ED nurse assists the remote examination and treatment of the patient. It is hoped that this process will improve throughput and decrease patients that leave prior to treatment. It is unclear, however,if these improved efficiencies will demonstrate a clear return on investment for the physician's time and the technology required.

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