Although telemedicine is becoming increasingly widespread throughout the U.S., few comprehensive studies have been conducted to date. In the absence of data about the effects of telemedicine costs, quality and patient access to services, it is difficult to plan an appropriate future course of action. As participants in a national telemedicine study, the MRTC is using the services of the Telemedicine Research Center and the Center for Health Policy Research to collect data on patient and provider satisfaction, costs and medical effectiveness. The MRTC is also a charter member of the Center for Telemedicine Law and the Association of Telemedicine Service Providers, which were organized to address legal, regulatory, organizational and financial issues.