Costs vary depending on the complexity and level of support required. Still, there are three basic elements: equipment fees, line charges and technician support.

Equipment fees are determined by affiliation to BIDMC: internal (BIDMC initiated calls which support BIDMC efforts) and external call (outside clients or externally funded projects).

The line charges depend on the number of locations (point-to-point between two locations or multi-point). In a point-to-point call, line fees are similar to telphone long distance; whomever places the call incurs the charge and fees increase with distance. Multi-point calls require a "bridge" and are charged per location.

Technical support includes a flat fee of $25 for basic videoconference administration. This covers the process of scheduling a call, conducting a test between call participants to insure equipment is compatable, setting up and striking the equipment on the day of the conference, ensuring the call is established and providing brief instructions on how to use the system. A technician can also be available during the call during regular business hours for $50/hr (1.5x for evening and Sat; 2x for Sun).

As your plans develop, contact the TeleMedicine Coordinator or Director of Media Services for a specific quote.

Equipment fees 

Average Cost per hour for a "384" call:
(A "128 kbps" call is 1/3 this price;a "256 kbps" call is 2/3 this price.

• BIDMC to NEBH $45/hr
• BIDMC to Minneapolis $90/hr
• BIDMC to Quebec $177/hr
• BIDMC to Geneva $855/hr

• $55/hr/site