The doctor is making house calls again, but you will not find anyone in scrubs on your doorstep.
These days, physicians get a little help from technology.
Several members of the medical community met Friday as part of a project to bring telemedicine to Hancock County.
The sound of a heartbeat thumps loud and clear through the monitor.
With telemedicine, someone can have a doctor's exam, without setting foot in a waiting room.
"The physician is at a different site, whether it be the emergency room or his office," explained Associate Dean of Rural Medicine at Mercer, Dr. Jean Sumner. "He can completely examine the patient using this equipment."
She sayid it can be taken to the patient's house or to the scene of an accident.
Because of the portability, the people piloting the program said those living in rural communities, like Hancock County, can benefit.
Hospitals, legislators, EMTs and telehealth experts met to discuss the Hancock Healthcare Access Initiative.
They teamed up as part of Governor Deal's plan to put medical services where people might otherwise not be able to get to it easily.
"We are severely lacking in healthcare access," explained county commissioner chairman, Sistie Hudson.
She said the local hospital closed from financial troubles nearly 15 years ago. Now, the closest one is about 30 miles away.
They have not had a full-time physician since 1991.
"Telemedicine would certainly fill in the gaps," Hudson said.
For these reasons, the group formed the initiative.
They plan to launch the telemedicine system this summer, for the total cost of $105,000.
The doctors that will see patients are from Putnam General, Oconee Regional, and Navicent Health.
Telemedicine is covered by insurance in Georgia, just like a regular doctor visit.
An EMT uses the equipment in the patient's house or ambulance, connecting to WiFi.
Sherrie Williams from the Georgia Partnership of Telehealth showed what look like little black suitcases. Inside is a screen and camera for two-way communication and all the necessary tools for inspection.
She said this will give more people in Hancock County the help they need.
"Rural areas have really been the starting point for telemedicine," said Williams.
The Georgia Partnership has now extended beyond state boundaries, with 600 locations that use telemedicine technology in 13 other states and five countries.
Since its start in 2006, they have gone from serving eight patients to 140,000.
"It's access to rural health like we've never ever done before," said CEO of Global Partnership for Telehealth, Paula Guy.
In Hancock County, the doctor will see them now.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Karli Barnett
Quelle/Source: 13WMAZ, 27.02.2015
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