Expanding Access to Subspecialty Care
How do you reach a growing population of older adults with chronic ailments? How do you easily share the expertise of a limited number of subspecialists over large geographic areas? It calls for the creative use of telemedicine and other communications technologies.
Mercy is exploring ways to extend the reach of our clinical providers, including scarce subspecialists, such as:
- Intensivists
- Subspecialized radiologists
- Pathologists
- Neurologists
- Cardiologists
- Pulmonologists
Working in virtual teams, these providers will be available to all of our facilities and far-reaching communities through technologies as simple as the telephone and online computer systems or as complex as satellite feeds and videoconferencing.
Innovation in Action
A radiologist at Mercy reads your mammography image transmitted electronically from one of Mercy’s convenient care locations. All is well and the doctor relays the good news. You leave with peace of mind. On the other hand, had there been a problem, another subspecialist at Mercy could chart a course of action – again before you depart from your initial appointment. It’s easy, convenient and comprehensive.
