HEALTHBEAT: Parkinson’s exams at home via webcam? Study examines telehealth effects

May 12 2014 05:41 AM

CP28339056 — This photo taken May 8, 2014 shows Mark Matulaitis posing with his laptop that he uses for virtual house calls with his neurologist in his home in Salisbury, Md. Matulaitis has had Parkinson\'s disease since 2011 and sees a neurologist at the University of Rochester via his laptop and special Skype-like software. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Original Publication Date: May 12, 2014 5:41AM

Publication Updated: January 8, 2025 11:14PM

WASHINGTON – Welcome to the virtual house call, the latest twist on telemedicine.

It’s being used to conveniently diagnose simple maladies, such as whether that runny nose and cough is a cold or the flu.

Patient groups and technology advocates are pushing to expand the digital care to people with complex chronic diseases that make a doctor’s trip more than just an inconvenience.

Dr. Ray Dorsey, a neurologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, is leading a national study of video visits for Parkinson’s patients.

The Parkinson’s Action Network says about 40 per cent of Parkinson’s patients don’t see a specialist, in part because they live too far away, even though research suggests those who do fare better.

Asks Dorsey, “Why can’t we provide care to people wherever they are?”

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