HEALTHCARE
New Jersey ’ s Top Healthcare Providers Discuss How Telemedicine is Changing and Improving Patient Care
For those with mobility issues , a lack of transportation , childcare conflicts or too ill to travel , virtual doctor visits are an option .
Compiled by Miles Z . Epstein Editor , COMMERCE
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recent Medscape survey found that “ 56 percent of all physician visits included 16 minutes or less of actual face-to-face time with patients .” To address this issue and the value of time , many healthcare providers are incorporating telemedicine or telehealth into their practices . COMMERCE asked some of New Jersey ’ s top healthcare providers to discuss what they are offering to connect doctors and patients using the Internet , mobile devices and technology .
Atlantic Health System By Amy Perry , CEO , Hospital Division , SVP , Integrated Care Delivery
Before anyone had heard of COVID‐19 , we were helping lead the way in using innovative telehealth solutions to deliver care to patients — wherever they are . We were the first in the nation to use portable TeleStroke technology in ambulances for routine pre-hospital assessment of stroke patients . However , during the pandemic , we quickly recognized the value telehealth would play in safely and effectively providing convenient care . Adapted workflows , distributing hundreds of tablet devices and the deployment of remote patient monitoring technology led to skyrocketing growth in telehealth visits ( phone , video , asynchronous visits ). In April , more than 90 percent of patient visits at Atlantic Health System were virtual . Our ability to deliver digital tools — including pulse oximeters , thermometers and blood pressure cuffs — allowed physicians to capture vital signs and symptoms in real time , enabling the system to safely discharge patients with COVID‐19 so they could recover at home where they are most comfortable .
CentraState Medical Center By Robert Pedowitz , D . O ., Medical Director , Family Practice
When COVID‐19 hit hard , our primary and specialty care practices switched almost exclusively to telemedicine appointments . Ironically , one of the unexpected benefits of telemedicine has been our ability to get more personal with patients , by “ meeting ” their families , learning about their hobbies and interests , and seeing how they live , which has created deeper conversations and bonding . Through live video , we could see more of their real lives , and in many cases , better understand the social determinants of health that affect them .
In a time when so many have felt isolated and trapped , telemedicine has created the opportunity for stronger connections and greater support . Our patients have been thankful for this virtual care option , which we will continue to offer to any patient who needs it .
East Orange General Hospital By Perry Iasiello , MSW , LCSW
Reaching into people ’ s homes to provide care has become the norm . On an afternoon in May , telepsychiatry proved even more valuable then we could have anticipated . During a scheduled psychotherapy session with one of our adolescent patients , the provider noticed a disturbance in the home . Knowing our patient lived with her mother , whom we had historically engaged in the therapeutic process , the therapist asked to speak with mom . It became apparent that mom was struggling . She was crying , lethargic and having difficulty focusing . The patient was becoming more upset seeing her mother in distress . While keeping the patient engaged , the provider was able to reach their supervisor and report the situation . The supervisor acted immediately while guiding the
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