J.C. Blair is partnering with PinnacleHealth for use of telemedicine technology to bring specialty services, such as neurology, toxicology, infectious disease, wound care and stroke to Huntingdon County.
Telemedicine is a technology that allows a doctor in a distant location to view and speak with a patient much like a telephone call on a smartphone. The PinnacleHealth telemedicine program incorporates computer and video technology to allow specialists to see and examine patients through the use of a PinnacleHealth robot that J.C. Blair staff guides.
“You can see and speak to the doctor as if they are standing right next to you. You will see him clearly, while he asks you questions and you respond,” explains Christian Caicedo, MD, executive director for Emergency Services at PinnacleHealth. “Using the camera on the robot he can zoom and focus on various parts of your body, and with the help of a nurse, complete an examination as if you are both in the same room.”
During the examination, the doctor has full access to the patient’s medical records and any laboratory tests or imaging studies that may have been completed.
The goal of the telemedicine program is to get needed care, faster, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Patients in our emergency room may need immediate access to specialty care for an event such as a stroke, severe infection or neurological issue,” states Lisa Mallon President & Chief Executive Officer. “Telemedicine provides access to this needed care in the moment, saving precious time for diagnosis and treatment.”
PinnacleHealth uses this same technology within its own health system and in partnership with Fulton County Medical Center.
About PinnacleHealth System
PinnacleHealth is a pioneer not-for-profit healthcare system dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for the people of Central Pennsylvania since 1873. A proven leader in medical innovation, PinnacleHealth offers a wide range of services from primary care to the most complex surgeries and Magnet recognition for nursing excellence. The healthcare network includes four campuses (Community, West Shore, Harrisburg and Polyclinic). The West Shore Hospital will open in Hampden Township in 2014. The five-story hospital will include 108 beds with an emergency department, medical/surgical care, cardiology, orthopedics, chronic disease management, and private patient rooms. PinnacleHealth is part of RiverHealth ACO, an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). Medical services, including family practice, imaging, outpatient surgery and oncology are offered at multiple locations throughout the region. For a complete list of services, visit our website at www.pinnaclehealth.org.
About J.C. Blair Health System
J.C. Blair Health System is the healthcare leader in Huntingdon County, serving the community’s healthcare needs and striving to deliver the best outcome for every patient for over 100 years. The Health System includes J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital, a 100-bed, non-profit community hospital; J.C. Blair Medical Services which employs over 30 primary care and specialty physicians and nurse practitioners; J.C. Blair Rehabilitation Services; and J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital Foundation. For a complete description of services and physicians, visit our website at www.jcblair.org
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