Telemedicine and trauma care.

Advances in technology have made it possible for telemedicine to be used in multiple areas of medicine, including trauma care. Teleradiology and teleconsultation are becoming standard operating procedure for many rural facilities. Future uses of telemedicine include teleproctoring and telepresence surgery. The medicolegal and financial impact of telemedicine remains to be determined. The potential influence of telemedicine in the care of future trauma patients will likely be important and may alter patterns of referral, consultation, and treatment.