The Utah Telehealth Network (UTN) is an open network, available to all Utah health care facilities. Through interactive videoconferencing and electronic transmission of information, UTN is able to facilitate and support the missions and business processes of its member sites. Through a single link, sites within Utah can be connected to each other as well as to sites throughout the United States and internationally. This is all done in a reliable, secure environment.

Connecting to the network
Most sites link into the network via a dedicated T1 line, although new options are becoming available. Each site's connection to the network is designed to meet the site's needs and HIPAA requirements.

Data Services Numerous data applications are available to network member sites. These include basic services such as email, access to the peer review journals, and the Internet. Clinical services such as teleradiology are also offered.

Videoconferencing Services
UTN member sites have access to unlimited bridging and videoconference connections at no additional charge*. Videoconferencing is used for a variety of applications, such as patient care, continuing education or training, and meetings. The telemedicine staff works with UTN member sites to facilitate the development of new clinical and educational applications.

Technical support
UTN member sites receive the following technical services:

• Technical design, ordering, installation, and maintenance of telecommunications lines and equipment**
• Management of the Universal Service Fund Program application process (The USF Program provides discounts for network lines for eligible rural health care providers)
• Training on the use of equipment.
• Assistance implementing secure connections for data sharing to non-UTN sites through the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
• Assistance with videoconferencing for scheduling, on the spot training, and problem solving. Most problems that arise during a videoconference can be quickly resolved.
• Assistance with videoconferencing to non-UTN sites, including testing in advance for compatibility and to address potential firewall issues.
• Technical support that is a phone call away. Telemedicine staff will troubleshoot problems, work with vendors, and monitor progress to ensure that technical problems are resolved in a timely manner.

Our Telemedicine staff is dedicated to providing excellent service to UTN member sites. We are interested in your ideas. Please contact us so that we may be of service.

For more information on joining the network, contact the program manager.

* The exception is for long distance charges, which may be incurred when connecting to out-of-state sites. Sites requesting these connections are responsible for the cost of long distance charges.

** Network membership fees do not include the cost of the equipment. When possible, we will assist sites to find grants or other funding sources to help defray equipment costs.