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Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the importance of communication networks and audio and video compression system in the field of telemedicine. Telemedicine is the collaborative scientific study and clinical practice of the prevention and cure of diseases and disorders of the body by physicians and other health practitioners across geographic distances and time zones with telecommunications and associated informatics. It includes medical research, medical care, and health supporting practices. Telemedicine greatly improves the practice of physicians interested in access to specialists, participating in clinical research, medical education, and in extending general and special medical care to rural areas. The overall benefits of telemedicine, therefore, are high levels of synergy, creativity, and education. The future of telemedicine is bright, owing to the combined effects of managed care, rising medical costs, an uneven geographic distribution of health care professionals, and demand of underserved populations for access to the international health care system. |