U.Va. Telemedicine Connects Health Specialists to More Rural Patients

Doctors with the University of Virginia Center for Telehealth will be able to connect more easily with frail, seriously ill patients at locations in Central Virginia that are long distances from a hospital.

A $253,330 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will connect medical specialists with patients at senior centers, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and dialysis centers via secure videoconferencing links. The centers are located in Dillwyn, Farmville, Lovingston and Zion Crossroads, and in the counties of Greene, Louisa and Orange.

“We are thrilled to offer access to U.Va. specialists through telemedicine for patients in dialysis and in skilled nursing facilities,” said Dr. Karen Rheuban, director of the Center for Telehealth. “For so many of these patients with chronic illness or those recovering in nursing facilities, accessing specialty care or follow-up visits can be a challenge.”

By providing more timely access to care, U.Va. hopes to provide better treatment for these patients while improving their quality of life through less travel for doctor’s appointments and fewer hospitalizations.

“This supports patients by reducing unnecessary readmissions, improves access to specialty care, allows for early intervention, enables screening and, we hope, reduces costs while improving clinical outcomes,” said David C. Gordon, director of the U.Va. Office of Telemedicine.

These locations will join the U.Va Center for Telehealth’s network of more than 100 telemedicine locations across Virginia.

New Telemedicine Locations

  • Betty J. Queen Intergenerational Center, Louisa County
  • Dogwood Village of Orange County
  • Grace Health and Rehabilitation Center, Greene County
  • Heritage Hall, Dillwyn
  • Louisa Health and Rehabilitation Center
  • Lovingston Health and Rehabilitation Center
  • The Woodland, Farmville
  • U.Va. Dialysis – Orange
  • U.Va. Dialysis – Zion Crossroads

 

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