With up to 1,600 telemedical patient contacts daily, the Medgate centre for telemedicine is a permanent component of the Swiss healthcare system. Working in partnership with health insurance companies, we take care of a total of around 2.6 million insured parties. Our team of telemedically trained male and female doctors and specialists in medical consulting respond around the clock by telephone, Internet and videoconferencing reliably, proficiently and efficiently to the concerns of patients with acute and general health queries. People with chronic illnesses benefit from comprehensive telebiometric care programmes. Medgate has brought together its core medical competence with healthcare economics and medical ICT. A further asset is Medgate’s close cooperation with a large group of external medical specialists.

Description of target users and groups

Over 30% of the Swiss population, in other words around 2.6 million people, already have access to the telemedical services of Medgate. The most important Medgate clients include not only large and medium-sized health insurance companies, but also the Swiss government, in particular the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).

Description of the way to implement the initiative

The Swiss centre for telemedicine MEDGATE was founded in Basel in 1999 by Swiss flight emergency doctor, Andy Fischer. Today, together with partners Lorenz Fitzi and André Moeri, he forms the management team of the company with a workforce of 120. In 2006, telecommunications group Swisscom made a strategic investment in Medgate amounting to 40%.

Technology solution

Technology choice: Proprietary technology, Standards-based technology

Main results, benefits and impacts

The approach was considered visionary, and at the forefront of telemedicine, from the beginning. It has the support of international medical societies, local Swiss authorities, and Swiss insurance companies. Medgate is available to a potential 2.6 million members from the associated health insurance companies. The telemedicine services are provided by highly qualified doctors. This results in a high rate of accuracy and effectiveness of triage: in 55% of all telephone calls the case is closed without the need for a physical appointment with a doctor. Using the service reduces insurance costs. Through the incentive of lower premiums, patients are encouraged to contact Medgate before contacting their own doctor. The services now provided by Medgate are: - Demand Management: 24/7 medical advice, second opinion, drug information, care provider list, medical hotlines for the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Medgate Assistance for travellers - Case Management: early recognition of inability to work - Disease Management: treatment programs for chronic illnesses, e.g., Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), arterial hypertension - Second Medical Opinion: telemedical consultation with inclusion of experts - Research & Development: dissertations, studies, lectures, participation in international projects

Return on investment

Return on investment: Not applicable / Not available

Lessons learnt

Lesson 1 - Win opinion leaders & gatekeepers Lesson 2 - Do not underestimate competition & opposition Lesson 3 - Build a personal network

Scope: National