The FCC on Jan. 9 announced a new $400 million annual Healthcare Connect Fund that will encourage the use of broadband telecommunications technology at healthcare facilities nationwide.
The goal of the program is to aid the linking of rural healthcare providers with those in more urban areas to form medical networks that allow for modern telemedicine practices, such as access to specialists. The faster connection speed will also provide instant access to electronic health records (EHR), according to Modern Healthcare.
The fund could potentially provide facilities with a 65 percent discount on services, equipment and connections if broadband is shown to be the most cost-effective telecommunications option, according to Modern Healthcare.
The FCC will begin accepting applications for the fund this summer.
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