Telehealth for children with special health care needs: promoting comprehensive systems of care

Abstract

This study identified ways that telehealth systems are used to enhance service delivery for children with special health care needs. Various health professionals utilize telehealth to provide physical and behavioral health care, to conduct developmental evaluations, and to address family/social concerns. Telehealth is used most for follow-up visits after in-person specialty care and for child evaluation with treatment recommendations to local care providers. Telehealth systems have the potential to increase access to specialized services and to enhance community-based services for rural and underserved children. However, inadequate reimbursement poses a significant barrier to the development of these services.