Agnesian HealthCare Partners To Offer Emergency Teleneurology Coverage
4 March 2021 News
Agnesian HealthCare is now offering emergency teleneurology coverage at Ripon Medical Center, St. Agnes Hospital and Waupun Memorial Hospital, in partnership with Specialists on Call (SOC), a national provider of telemedicine technology and solutions to hospitals and other health care organizations.
The partnership enables the hospitals to virtually access time sensitive neurological care expertise whenever and wherever it is needed through the use of SOC video conferencing software and technology.
“Our new emergency teleneurology program will cover all neurological emergencies, including acute stroke,” says Nicole Gill, vice president Patient Care Services/chief nursing officer, Ripon Medical Center/Waupun Memorial Hospital. “While stroke may be the most familiar reason for emergency teleneurology, our partnership with SOC allows for experienced neurologists to virtually support hospital efforts with rapid response, real-time engagement on a variety of emergent neurologic issues.”
Teleneurology allows for rapid, real-time neurology consults when most needed – for stroke patients being evaluated for tPA administration, for other adult neurological emergencies, as well as emergencies arising in the hospital requiring an urgent neurologist consultation. Neurologists specialize in disorders of the brain, spine and central nervous system.
Using video conferencing software, providers – mainly in the emergency departments – will have immediate access to a neurologist. Other hospitals that use telemedicine services report that families find comfort in the expertise provided by highly-experienced, board-certified specialists during their time of emergency.
By providing teleneurology consultations to patients in emergency departments, SOC will support and collaborate with our staff by virtually reviewing cases and making recommendations for onsite staff. Together with SOC, Agnesian HealthCare providers and staff are also solving time-sensitive issues and building better care plans for patients.
With a board-certified neurologist available to see stroke patients virtually, eligible patients can receive treatment, such as thrombolytic agents faster. Alteplase IV r-tPA works by dissolving the clot and improving blood flow. If administered within three hours, it may improve the chances of recovering from a stroke.
The SOC platform Telemed IQ is in use in more than 550 hospitals nationwide, as a comprehensive yet fully customizable telemedicine program, delivering efficiency, operations support, expertise and partnership to hospital systems.
“We know that the individuals and families we serve in this area appreciate every opportunity to receive their health and wellness services locally,” says Gill. “Together with SOC, we’re even better prepared than ever to navigate complex neurological decisions and enhance outcomes through the community no matter when they arise.”
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