The University Center for Telehealth was presented with a 2014 Governor’s Technology Award for creating easier access to health care for patients across the state through the Telehealth program.
Established in 1996, the University’s telemedicine program allows patients to go to their local medical center to obtain a diagnosis and treatment plan from both a University specialist and local physician.
Prior to an appointment, the patient’s history and medical data are sent to a specialist in the University Health System so a treatment plan can be discussed with the local physician, patient and University specialist. The specialist calls into the appointment using a TV screen, camera and an Internet connection.
“The program brings U.Va. specialists to patients in need of specialty care regardless of their physical location within the Commonwealth, from the Eastern Shore to far South-West Virginia ... and allow[s] for consultations for new patients, and follow up visits, and management of chronic illness in the home,” said Dr. Karen Rheuban, director of the University Center for Telehealth.
Telemedicine programs have been used since the 1960s. The University Health System has brought more than 40 disciplines of health care to the program, vastly broadening its horizons.
With 132 partners across the state, Virginia is a national leader in the telemedicine field.
“We have spared patients more than 10 million miles of driving for access to care and provide care across the continuum from prenatal to acute care, to chronic illnesses and to remote monitoring and palliative services,” Rheuban said.
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