According to the American Telemedicine Association (http://www.americantelemed.org/), telemedicine is the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve patients' health status. Closely associated with telemedicine is the term "telehealth," which is often used to encompass a broader definition of remote healthcare that does not always involve clinical services. Videoconferencing, transmission of still images, e-health including patient portals, remote monitoring of vital signs, continuing medical education and nursing call centers are all considered part of telemedicine and telehealth.
Why is telehealth important in Wyoming?  Due to the frontier nature of the state, many Wyoming residents live in small communities isolated by distance and geography from larger towns with large medical facilities.  Telehealth represents an opportunity for these people to have access to health care without having to travel.  It also is a way for those health care providers living in the small communities to connect with colleagues, access continuing education, and participate in professional activities without having to shut down their practices.

WYOMING NETWORK FOR TELEHEALTH
The CRHRE has led the way over the last several years in developing telehealth infrastructure and resources for Wyoming.  With funding from HRSA’s Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (http://telehealth.hrsa.gov) and Office of Rural Health Policy (http://ruralhealth.hrsa.gov), as well as the Wyoming Legislature, we have helped establish the Wyoming Network for Telehealth, or WyNETTE.  This project  originally was designed to support pilot projects in the state to help increase the acceptance of telehealth among providers and other health care professionals. 
Now, with funding from the FCC Rural Health Care Pilot Project (http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/rural/rhcp.html) , we are embarking on a new venture under the WyNETTE banner.  Our goal, on which we are working with private and public partners from around the state, is to create a statewide telehealth network, with a particular focus on mental health services.  We hope by 2010 to create a dedicated telecommunications and support network that will connect every hospital, community mental health center, and substance abuse clinic in Wyoming.  For more information on this project, click on the “Topic Projects” link to the right. RESOURCES
For more information on telehealth, including links to Web sites, papers and presentations by CRHRE staff, and various other resources, click on the “Topic Resources” link in the column to the right.