Telemedicine

What is Telemedicine?

The World Health Organization defines telemedicine as the provision of healthcare services remotely through the use of information and communication technologies. These technologies enable the exchange of information essential for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and injuries, as well as for scientific research, evaluation, and the education of healthcare professionals. The ultimate goal is to improve the health of individuals and their communities.

By delivering healthcare services remotely, telemedicine allows patients to receive expert opinions or treatment for their medical conditions without necessarily having to visit a specialist in a hospital.

 

Where Can Telemedicine Services Be Accessed?

Telemedicine services can be accessed at telemedicine access centers, which are staffed by healthcare professionals. The telemedicine specialist center serves as the point for receiving and providing telemedicine services based on medical specialties.

Today, telemedicine services are available in most healthcare institutions across Croatia, ranging from clinical hospital centers in larger cities to health centers in smaller communities.

The exact locations of these centers can be found in the Telemedicine Centers Network:

• Telemedicine Centers Network (NN 94/2021)
• Telemedicine Centers Network (NN 120/2023)
• Telemedicine Centers Network (NN 23/2024)

What Telemedicine Services Are Available?

Telemedicine services include:

• Digital exchange of medical findings, images, and readings
• Remote diagnosis
• Remote treatment
• Obtaining a second expert opinion

Currently, these services are available in the fields of:

• Radiology
• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Psychiatry
• Endocrinology
• Neurology
• Transfusion medicine
• Hemodialysis

The range of telemedicine services is continuously expanding thanks to technological innovations. These advancements are often redefined and refined during their application, ensuring constant improvement and adaptation to healthcare needs.

 

How to Schedule a Telemedicine Service?

The procedure for scheduling a telemedicine service is the same as scheduling in-person specialist consultations or examinations. The request is made by the primary care physician on behalf of the patient based on a referral they issue. A teleconsultant, usually a physician or specialist, provides the requested service. The healthcare institution hosting the telemedicine access center is responsible for organizing and managing the scheduling process.

 

Are Confidentiality and Privacy Protected During a Telemedicine Appointment?

Yes, telemedicine consultations are private and confidential, just like regular medical appointments. The patient and their authorized companion, along with the healthcare professionals involved, are the only individuals who can access and hear the information shared during the consultation.

 

Who Ensures the Availability of Telemedicine Services in Croatia?

The telemedicine activity in Croatia is regulated by the Health Care Act and a series of associated regulations and amendments:

• Health Care Act (NN 100/18)
• Regulation on Amendments to the Health Care Act (NN 125/19)
• Regulation on Amendments to the Health Care Act (NN 147/20)
• Act on Amendments to the Health Care Act (NN 119/22)
• Regulation on Amendments to the Health Care Act (NN 156/22)
• Act on Amendments to the Health Care Act (NN 33/23)
• Act on Amendments to the Health Care Act (NN 36/24)
• Regulation on the Conditions, Organization, and Method of Telemedicine Practice (NN 138/2021)
• Regulation on Amendments to the Regulation on Conditions, Organization, and Methods of Telemedicine Practice (NN 110/2012)
• Decision on the Establishment of the Telemedicine Centers Network (NN 94/2021)
• Decision on Amendments to the Decision on the Establishment of the Telemedicine Centers Network (NN 120/2023)
• Decision on the Establishment of the Telemedicine Centers Network Amendments (NN 23/2024)

The Croatian Emergency Medical Institute (HZHM) organizes, implements, and monitors the introduction of telemedicine services into the Croatian health system. The aim is to ensure equal access to specialist healthcare services throughout Croatia, including islands, rural, and traffic-isolated areas. HZHM is responsible for procuring, configuring, and setting up equipment, as well as the IT and communication infrastructure for each telemedicine center in the basic network. HZHM also provides training for healthcare professionals to use this equipment and offers 24/7 technical support to all telemedicine centers.