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

This study identified ways that telehealth systems are used to enhance serv ice delivery for children with special health care needs. Various health pr ofessionals utilize telehealth to provide physical and behavioral health ca re, to conduct developmental evaluations, and to address family/social conc erns. Telehealth is used most for follow-alp visits after in-person special ty care and for child evaluation with treatment recommendations to local ca re providers. Telehealth systems have the potential to increase access to s pecialized services and to enhance community-based services for rural and u nderserved children. However, inadequate reimbursement poses a significant barrier to the development of these services.