EPHC secured the fourth spot out of 800 rural healthcare telemedicine clinics statewide. Hospital officials say they’re excited about the ranking, and plan to up that already high standard in the future.
“My goal for next year is to be in the top three,” said Erica Waldeck, EPHC telemedicine coordinator. “But, fourth is pretty good and I’ll take it.”
Telemedicine is the use of video, email, telephone, or other telecommunication systems to transmit clinical consultations between a doctor and patient. This gives physicians easier access to rural patients and their health data.
“EPHC’s Telemedicine program offers patients the chance to see the specialists they need without having to travel long distances,” said Linda Satchwell, EPHC public relations coordinator.
The program’s specialties include psychiatry, psychology, diabetes/diet education, endocrinology, rheumatology, pain management, and neurology. Medi-Cal and low-income patients make up the bulk of the program’s patients. EPHC’s telemedicine provides essential health care access to these patients because there are no nearby Medi-Cal providers, added Satchwell.
A company called TelehealthDocs assists EPHC with its operation. It’s a team of physicians and telemedicine specialists proving cost-effective clinical services, equipment acquisition, provider training, and more.
“I give a lot of credit to the telehealth docs and the community in helping us achieve this top 10 honor,” said Waldeck.
For more information about EPHC’s telemedicine program, go to www.ephc.org.
This article is courtesy of Ann Powers, Portola Reporter.