July 13, 2018

Pilot Launced To Connect Rural Areas With Telehealth

Original story from   IPBS-RJC

Article origination IPBS-RJC
The telemedicine technology can be used to diagnosis, treat and follow up with patients. - U.S. Department of Agriculture

The telemedicine technology can be used to diagnosis, treat and follow up with patients.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

A pilot program to connect veterans and others living in rural areas with tele-health was announced this week.  The $100 million effort comes from the Federal Communications Commission. 

It will provide grants to healthcare and broadband providers to establish a solid connection for telemedicine services. 

U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) hosted the FCC commissioner recently in Hancock County to highlight the need for this investment.

"We learned on that visit about the opportunities to bridge the gap between providers by using the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies," says Young. 

The technology can be used to diagnosis, treat and follow up with patients.

Young says the Connected Care Pilot Program can be especially helpful for veterans.

"The Veterans Health Administration indicates that, according to the population they’ve already served using remote monitoring, there’s a roughly 20 percent reduction in hospital admissions," says Young. 

Many communities across the country, including in Indiana, have difficulty using the technology because of poor broadband. 

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

Indiana loses $4.2 billion due to untreated mental illness. How did we get here?
FSSA creates waitlist for Aged and Disabled waiver. Advocates worry it creates barrier to care
What's at stake in the Supreme Court mifepristone case