The Internet, with its vast information resources, is where most individuals turn for health information. This information access has changed the dynamic of health information dissemination. The information patients find on the Internet helps them gain a broader understanding of the health issues they are facing and connects them with a community of other individuals who may be dealing with similar problems. Information access is a good thing because it insures a more informed, more healthcare literate patient who is empowered with the intelligence to participate more fully in taking care of themselves and their family. On the other hand the sheer amount of health-related information present on the Internet and in the media results in information overload. With so much information coming at consumers it is often difficult for even the most intelligent to filter out what is credible, reliable and sound information and what is hype. The 21st century healthcare professional has a new task — that of helping patients and filter good information in cyberspace from bad information.

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In the first decade of the 21st century it is estimated by the American Medical Association that there are more than 35 million Americans who live in medically underserved areas and it would take 16,000 additional doctors nationwide to provide services to them. As the baby boomers age and the number of medical school graduates going into primary care medicine declines, these numbers will grow. There is research that confirms that an individual of any age, who lives in a remote part of the country, is twice as likely to die from a serious injury or automobile accident as an individual in an urban area who has access to a large urban emergency department and specialized trauma care within minutes of an accident or injury. In both urban and rural communities, there is a growing population of senior citizens as well as other individuals who have illnesses and disabilities that keep them closely tied to their homes. With these population demographics and the physician and nurse shortages, the solution to providing these individuals with comprehensive health services is telemedicine.

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