The American Academy of Sleep Medicine introduced AASM SleepTM Select, a streamlined telemedicine system that enables sleep medicine professionals, accredited sleep centers and durable medical equipment (DME) providers to rapidly improve patient access to care by integrating secure video visits.

AASM SleepTM Select is a sleek, state–of the–art system comprising the two elements that are essential for a quick entry into telemedicine: a HIPAA–complaint, web–based video platform and a patient self–pay feature that facilitates convenient, secure payments. Its ease of use makes the system the perfect selection for sleep specialists and DME providers who want to conduct their first video consultations and follow–up visits. To expedite the widespread adoption of telemedicine in the field of sleep medicine, the AASM is making AASM SleepTM Select available for free to all of its 2,500 accredited sleep centers.

“Telemedicine represents affordable, convenient, patient–centered care, and AASM SleepTM Select makes it easier than ever for sleep centers and DME providers to implement a telemedicine program in their practice,” said American Academy of Sleep Medicine Executive Director Jerry Barrett. “AASM SleepTM Select enables sleep centers to quickly and easily provide for their patients a sophisticated, seamless telemedicine experience.”

According to a recent nationwide survey, more than half of all U.S. adults already are using live video technology for conversations or meetings. Results show that 68 percent of adults are willing to use a live video visit to see a doctor who specializes in treating sleep disorders for an initial consultation, follow–up appointment or therapy session. Patients can find a telemedicine provider and easily request a video visit at www.sleeptm.com.

“The demand for health care services provided via telemedicine is continuing to rise,” said Steve Van Hout, AASM assistant executive director and AASM SleepTM’s chief architect. “AASM SleepTM Select is a state–of–the art solution that will enable sleep specialists to satisfy patient demand for more convenient care.”

AASM SleepTM Select is available now with no set–up fee or annual fee, plus unlimited minutes for the first 30 days, for all AASM–accredited member sleep centers. The same offer is available for AASM–accredited non–member sleep centers that register by July 31, 2017. The simplified online registration process now allows for immediate implementation of video encounter scheduling.

Also available from the AASM is AASM SleepTM Pro, which offers advanced patient management features that are ideal for implementation of a full–scale telemedicine program. In addition to a secure video portal and patient self–pay feature, the Pro version offers a full suite of capabilities such as comprehensive scheduling tools, an integrated sleep diary, sleep tracker synchronization, secure file sharing and secure messaging.