What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is live, interactive audio and video communications. Voices and images are conducted through television sets with private, dedicated lines that cannot be tuned in by anyone outside the teleconference.
How does it work?
Telemedicine delivers two-way simultaneous real-time "television" quality video, audio and data. Patients in disparate locations can interact, exchange and display complex diagnostic audio/video in real time in complete privacy. The use of Telemedicine technology helps eradicate the geographic and financial barriers keeping countless rural patients from receiving proper care from urban health specialists.
What is Telemedicine for?
Telemedicine allows rural treatment centers to connect with partnering sites that will bring specialists, via telemedicine consultants, to patients who receive medical care in rural settings.
How can I see a specialist?
A referral is made by your regular physician, just as if you were going out of town to see a specialist. Telemedicine visits are scheduled routinely and you would be contacted regarding your appointment.
What is a Telemedicine visit like?
A typical patient visit includes you (and possibly a family member) and a nurse. Physical and Occupational therapists may be present as needed. You will see and hear the specialist immediately at the other site just as if they were in the room because there are no audio or video delays.
As time becomes more precious to consumers, and technology advances, hospitals are offering new and better methods of delivering care to rural patients. The difficulty and unwillingness of patients to travel long distances for a 15-minute consultation make Telemedicine very appealing.
Is it covered by insurance?
98% of all submitted claims are covered by insurance.
What are patients saying?
“I was ecstatic when my doctor called from Crookston that stormy day to say I could see him in Fosston through a Telemedicine visit instead of driving 45 miles.”
“We felt right at home at the First Care Medical Services Clinic, because we have had many experiences there already. We know the staff and where to find things.”
“The teleconference was just like being in the same room with the doctor.”
Contact Information
Steve Sveningson
Clinical Services Executive
Phone: (218) 435-7650
Stephanie Skadsem, RN
Rural Site Coordinator
Phone: (218) 435-7681
Mary Steinbrenner, RN
Site Nurse
Phone: (218) 435-7685
“Telemedicine has given us a new way to offer specialties to our patients. The hospital has used visiting specialists from major health care facilities for years, but before telemedicine the doctors would visit perhaps once or twice a month. Any other consults would have to be done at their facility, requiring a long drive. This will make a world of difference to our patients. They will still have to travel for some surgeries, if necessary, but any procedure consults and follow-ups can be done right here at First Care.”
- Patricia Wangle
CEO First Care Medical Services