Telehealth
That’s why Trinity Hospital Twin City has started a new telemedicine service through its Specialty Clinic, said Jennifer Demuth, marketing coordinator at Trinity Hospital Twin City. A telehealth appointment, Demuth explained, is just like an in-person doctor visit except you communicate with your specialist via high-resolution computer screens and a secure internet connection.
In July, Trinity will begin offering telemedicine appointments with Dr. Ramana Murty, a board-certified cardiologist with Trinity Health System of Steubenville. This fall, the hospital will start offering telemedicine appointments with board-certified nephrologists who specialize in kidney care and treating kidney diseases. Soon the hospital plans to offer telemedical appointments with endocrinologists who specialize in disorders of the glands and the endocrine system.
“For the first time we’re able to provide access to high-level kidney specialists who generally are not available in small towns,” Demuth said. “Typically, residents in this area have to drive 45 minutes to an hour to receive specialty care in the fields that we’ll now be able to offer. We’re excited to add this important and convenient service to the medical specialties we already provide at our specialty clinic. Having local access to these services will save our patients valuable time and travel expenses.”
The new telemedicine services at Trinity Hospital Twin City and its sister hospital, Trinity Health System, in Steubenville, Ohio, are made possible through funding from the Mary Jane Brooks Charitable Trust.
“Telemedicine equipment is a significant investment because it uses state-of-the-art technology, and you need a very secure, HIPAA-approved internet connection to assure patients’ privacy,” Demuth said.
Here’s how it works.
If you are having problems that may be kidney related, you should contact your family doctor. If your doctor suggests a visit to a nephrologist, you can set up a telemedicine appointment with one of Trinity Health System’s two board certified nephrologists: Dr. Preethi Murty, MD, or Dr. Patricia Khalil, MD. When you arrive for your appointment at Trinity Hospital Twin City’s first floor specialty clinic, telemedicine nurse specialist Jaclyn Abrecht will check you in and take your vitals, like blood pressure and temperature, just like during an in-person visit.
Then, in the privacy of an exam room, you will conduct your visit with Dr. Murty or Dr. Khalil with Abrecht’s assistance.
“Jaclyn is specially trained to work with the doctors in providing camera angles and other techniques required for a comprehensive examination,” Demuth said. “If lab work or other testing is required, it usually can be conveniently done right here at Trinity Hospital Twin City.”
Kayla Micklas is the program manager for Trinity’s telemedicine services.
“Nephrologists work with patients whose kidneys are not functioning properly including those who need dialysis, have kidney stones or have symptoms like blood in their urine, high blood pressure or fluid retention. During a telemedical appointment a nephrologist might prescribe remedies or educate a patient on a specific diet that can optimize kidney function. The specialist also will work with a patient’s primary care physician.”
Specialists in endocrinology are expected to be added to Trinity Hospital Twin City’s services soon. Endocrinologists diagnose and treat problems like hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, diabetes, metabolic disorders and menopause management, Demuth said.
“One of the reasons it is important to offer nephrology and endocrinology to our specialty services is because we have a high number of people with diabetes in our service area, and these are two specialties that are directly related to diabetes,” Demuth said.
Medicare and Medicaid cover telemedicine services. Because Trinity Hospital Twin City is a critical-access hospital located in a rural area, most private insurers also cover the services. However, Demuth said that it’s best to check with your insurance company before making your appointment.
Trinity Hospital Twin City’s specialty clinic also offers in-person specialty care for cardiology, otolaryngology (ear and throat problems), podiatry, gynecology and general surgery.
For more information about telemedicine and specialty clinic services call 740-922-7480 or visit www.trinitytwincity.org. The Trinity Hospital Twin City Specialty Clinic is located on the first floor of the hospital at 819 N. First St., Dennison.
Plans are in the works at Trinity Hospital to offer telemedicine appointments with endocrinologists who specialize in disorders of the glands and the endocrine system.
Trinity Hospital Twin City’s first floor Specialty Clinic provides a large, inviting and comfortable waiting area for patients who come for telemedicine appointments and in-person appointments with physician specialists and advanced practice professionals.