New Telehealth Service Begins for Patients
On April 10th, the emergency department at Buchanan County Health Center launched a new telehealth service for patients using Integrated Telehealth Partners (ITP).
ITP provides timely mental health consults for emergency department patients in need, via tele psychiatry services. Patients will receive a medical screening by the emergency department provider and if determined appropriate, will receive a mental health consult with ITP. Through the use of telehealth (using a computer to provide a live video feed), the patient will be able to see and converse directly with a psychiatrist.
The goal is to provide a psychiatric consult within 4 hours of arrival. The psychiatrist will also assist the emergency department provider and staff with treatment plans including; medication recommendations, the need for inpatient bed placement or outpatient follow-up as appropriate.
Tara McEnany, Chief Nursing Officer states, “Due to a shortage of mental health care providers we are forced to explore creative solutions to provide services close to home. With telehealth technology we are able to bridge that gap. We are fortunate to be able to offer this valuable service to our community with support from the Mental Health/Disability Services of the East Central Region.”
For additional information on the services offered at BCHC, please visit www.bchealth.org or follow ‘Buchanan County Health Center’ on Facebook.