Van Buren hospital participating in UIHC telemedicine service project

KEOSAUQUA ? Van Buren County Hospital has added Dr. Tim Blair to its staff to oversee the emergency department and direct the emergency room team in providing customer service and patient care.

In addition, Blair will lead the pilot program for the Interactive Telemedicine Service Project with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

The pilot program provides immediate opportunities when local providers would like a second opinion, without having to transport the patient out of the county. Technology, much the same as Skype or Facetime, provides secure transmission of data between care teams and the emergency room patient.

VBCH?s emergency room staff is able to connect directly to the UIHC?s emergency room physician on duty. That physician will be able to see and talk to the patient and also be able to receive test results. Doctors, patients and the patient?s family members will be able to discuss the best treatment for the patient.

The technology will increase the opportunities for patients and their families to remain in the community and decrease unneeded travel to Iowa City.