Newberry patient grateful for telehealth
technology
‘It saves me a lot of time’
William Green of Newberry could have settled in behind
the wheel of his car and made the 100-mile trip to Marquette for a follow-up
medical appointment with his internal medicine physician.
Instead, he made a short drive to Helen Newberry Joy Hospital
in Newberry, and through telehealth technology, had his doctor’s appointment
with Marquette General Hospital infectious disease specialist Dr.
John Wallace.
Dr.
John Wallace, an infectious disease specialist on staff at Marquette General
Hospital, visits with William Green of Newberry via a telehealth hookup
from his office in the Peninsula Medical Center. (MGH photo)
“It’s very convenient to me, not having to travel and it saves
me a lot of time,” Green, 43, said.
Green is one of the many Upper Peninsula patients who have taken advantage
of telehealth technology available through the Upper Peninsula Telehealth
Network (UPTN) used at Marquette General. Recuperating from a Hepatitis-C
virus, Green opted to remain at home, avoid the potential hazards often
associated with harsh U.P. winters, and have his next visit with Dr. Wallace
using telehealth technology.
Dr. Wallace said that in many cases, telehealth is a convenient and prudent
option.
“It definitely serves its purpose,” Dr. Wallace said. “Particularly
in bad weather situations and for follow-up consults, it’s perfect.”
Green contracted the Hepatitis-C, a disease characterized by inflammation
of the liver. It usually produces swelling and, in many cases, permanent
damage to liver tissues. A number of agents can cause hepatitis, including
infectious diseases, chemical poisons, drugs and alcohol.
Hepatitis C is a contagious viral disease that often leads to serious,
permanent liver damage and, if not effectively treated, death.
To fight the disease, Dr. Wallace prescribed shots (interferon)and medication
(ribavirin) supplements — two very common methods of treatment.
Following prolonged use, Green stopped taking the medications in early
December.
“Dr. Wallace says I’m clean,” Green said. “I’m
getting around a lot better.”
Said Dr. Wallace: “The type of virus strain that he had is gone.
With this type, a vast majority of patients are successfully treated and
Hepatitis-C doesn’t return. We will continue to see him every six
months, to make sure his blood work checks out fine.”
Vicki Green, a licensed-practical nurse at Helen Newberry Joy, is William’s
wife. She has overseen his medications and office appointments.
She, too, marvels at the telehealth technology available in the Upper
Peninsula.
“It’s a wonderful system,” she said. “It allows
a facility like ours to connect with specialists. I would encourage more
patients to use it when the opportunity is there.
“For me, I didn’t need to take a day off work. All I had to
do was take an elevator down to the telehealth room while my co-workers
watched my patients for 15 to 20 minutes.”
Sue Holbrook, RN, clinical telehealth site coordinator at HNJH, said:
“This technology increases access for patients to specialists in
remote locations across the U.P.”
Susan Makela, Director of Telehealth at MGHS, adds third-party payers
have also recognized the value of this service for patients in rural America.
“Many insurance companies now reimburse for telemedicine consultations
for patients in the U.P.,” said Makela, adding Medicare also reimburses
for telemedicine services.
Marquette General serves as the hub of the 38-site UPTN, which provides
core services in physician-patient appointments, professional education,
administrative meetings, deployment of telehome care systems, community
education, and video conferencing services for community groups/businesses.
For more information on Marquette General Hospital’s telehealth
technology, call 1-800-562-9753, ext. 4766 or visit the Marquette General’s
Telehealth website at www.mgh.org/telehealth/index.html.
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