The health system has increased the number of telemedicine patient visits from about 6,700 in 2012 to about 10,000 in 2013, a 49 percent increase. The shift has improved efficiency in the system and allowed improved access to clinicians. Additionally, a video-based home monitoring program helped drop hospital readmissions among patients with congestive heart failure to just 5 percent from 28 percent, according to the report.
“The model is really exciting because it means patients don’t have to go to the emergency room,” Andrew Watson, MD, surgeon and medical director of UPMC’s Center for Connected Medicine, told the Business Times. “Most important, for a system like UPMC, this is a care coordination tool, an access to healthcare tool.”
More Articles on Telemedicine:
VA Extends Contract With Authentidate’s Telehealth Solutions
3 Hospitals, Health Systems Expanding Telemedicine Services
3 Recent Hospital/Vendor Telemedicine Partnerships
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.