Versatile Technology Enhances Care Close to Home

Posted: February 21, 2008

Minnesota Telehealth Network

At Tri-County Hospital (TCH) in Wadena, MN orthopedic and dermatology consults make up the majority of visits in their busy telemedicine department. Pediatric psychiatry is another common use.

Other patients receive pre- and post-operative visits. “The biggest advantage is that you don’t have to drive to the Twin Cities,” said one patient, noting it was painful for him to ride in a vehicle. He traveled to the Fairview University Medical Center for surgery, and used telemedicine for follow-up visits.

A provider referral is required for telemedicine, and after telemedicine visits the TCH physician receives follow-up notes and recommendations. “This keeps our doctors in the loop,” says Robin Klemek, RN, Outreach Manager at TCH.

Adding that she is no longer surprised by the specialties telemedicine can be used for: rheumatology, neurology, wound clinics, asthma, pediatric genetics, even urology and gastroenterology. In addition to scheduled appointments, telemedicine is used for emergencies and the system can be taken to hospital rooms as well.  

In addition to a staff person on-site who presents the patient during a telemedicine visit, specialists may use remote camera control to change their view as needed. The provider can also immediately request labs and other tests at TCH or schedule an office visit if necessary. In some cases rare disorders have been diagnosed by specialists using telemedicine.

Even when a specialist can’t physically examine the patient, she can ask questions and make an evaluation — potentially saving the patient a trip to Minneapolis/St. Paul. “We work with very, very good doctors, and everybody wins,” Klemek said.

“Patients get the problem fixed and don’t have to go the Cities. Our doctors get information right away, and specialists don’t have to drive or fly out here, so they have more time to meet with more patients.”