The future is now with telehealth

Dr. Glenn Steele, Jr. -

As an avid researcher, writer and doctor with vast experience in academia and medicine, I place high value on patient safety and quality of care.

During my 15-year tenure at Geisinger Health System, an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record and the development of innovative care delivery, I dedicated myself to improving patient care through the development and deployment of innovative care models. Since leaving Geisinger, I have spent my time discovering and supporting the most forward-thinking products in the industry – most notably in telehealth.

In 2015, I was introduced to an innovative application-based company called Stratus. Stratus began as a video remote interpretation provider, offering users instant access to spoken and sign language interpreters over a highly sophisticated video call platform. They have recently expanded their services to include onsite and over-the-phone interpretation solutions as well. But while the Stratus language access platforms are important, I am even more excited about Stratus' newly developed telehealth division.

Stratus's expansion into telehealth further demonstrates the level of innovation and quality that Stratus brings to the table. Dedicated to improving patient care and satisfaction, they have taken innovation to the next level with the release of several telehealth solutions: The ER/Urgent Care Virtual Consult solution and Post Hospital Discharge Solution. These products address two major industry issues: patient access to specialists and high readmission rates. The ER/Urgent Care Virtual Consult Solution connects patients with physicians and specialists over HIPAA compliant video calls from anywhere, on any device, improving timeliness of care. For instance, if a patient requires a burn specialist, the ER physician simply hits the "burn" button on the Stratus solution calling every burn specialist in the network until a consult is confirmed. The Post Hospital Discharge Solution reduces readmission rates by allowing patients to follow-up with physicians via video call at their convenience.

Hospitals utilizing these solutions will experience shorter wait times in their ED, and reduce preventable hospital readmissions.

The expansion into telehealth further demonstrates Stratus's dedication to improving patient care, satisfaction and ultimately addressing two major needs within the healthcare industry.

The Stratus motto, "improving lives through better communication," is the foundation for creating low barriers to entry into telehealth solutions. By leveraging technology already in the physicians' hands and under the hospital's employ, they are offering a better, faster, more cost effective way to provide quality healthcare.

No one should be hindered in receiving medical care because they speak another language or can't be seen by physician or specialist fast enough. The communication barrier has long been a problem in our industry, but with companies like Stratus, that barrier is quickly diminishing.

To learn more, visit www.stratustelehealth.com.

The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the author alone and do not represent those of Becker's Hospital Review/Becker's Healthcare. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The copyright of this content belongs to the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with them.​

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.