The Case for Telehealth

Telehealth refers to the delivery of continuing education and/or clinical consultations via distance learning and telecommunication networks. Videoconferencing activities support the delivery of continuing education and clinical consultations using the interactive video technology and infrastructure of the Western North Carolina HealthLink network (WNCHL). Since 1997 MAHEC has built and supported this extensive network of interactive video connections in its 16-county region. This distance learning network currently consists of fourteen hospitals, ten health departments, two residency programs, and the MAHEC hub, located at the MAHEC Bridge Building at 501 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. MAHEC coordinates scheduling and technical support for WNC HealthLink members and qualified users. The WNC HealthLink network can also connect with other videoconferencing locations and networks, including NC-REN and the NC Information Highway , via Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) phone lines and via the Internet.

By enhancing the availability of continuing education opportunities and other support services when and where needed, videoconferencing plays an important role in recruitment, retention and geographic distribution of health professionals.

MAHEC provides videoconferencing services for health-related agencies, groups and individuals where such use is consistent with our mission. Our rates are:

• Non-profits: $50 per hour for room rental plus third party network charges
• For-profits: $100 per hour for room rental plus third party network charges
• Third party charges include any ISDN phone line charges, or charges associated with connecting to a private or commercial location outside of the WNCHL network. Please contact us with your needs and we will be glad to do an estimate for your event.

For more information on the WNCHL Videoconference Network, please call MAHEC's Education and Information Technology Department at 828-257-4486, or send us an email.