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April 9, 2009
Bariatric surgery patient grateful for Marquette General telehealth services
Monica Kohn of L’Anse struggled with her weight for years, so when she opted for bariatric surgery at Marquette General Hospital, that last thing she wanted to struggle with was traveling for her follow-up appointments, especially during the winter months.
Recently, through telehealth technology, Monica only had to travel four miles to Baraga County Memorial Hospital, versus 68 miles to Marquette General Hospital, to have her six-month post-operative appointment with Marquette General Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Wayne English.
Monica Kohn (right) is one of the many Upper Peninsula patients who have taken advantage of telehealth technology available through the Upper Peninsula Telehealth Network used at Marquette General. Monica is able to see and speak to Dr. English face-to-face via two-way interactive technology during her telehealth appointment.
During her telehealth appointment, Monica was able to see and speak to Dr. English face-to-face via two-way interactive technology.
“Utilizing telehealth was very convenient for me. It saved me a lot of time and didn’t take away from my job,” said Monica, who works as a Patient Services/BCCCP Coordinator for the Department of Health and Human Services for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
Monica 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.
Dr. English said in many cases, telehealth is a convenient and practical option for bariatric patients.
"It is essential for patients to be followed closely after having bariatric surgery,” said Dr. English. “Monica can remain in her local community and interact with me using the telehealth system.”
Monica said her telehealth visit with Dr. English was easy, comfortable and confidential.
“The only preparation I needed to do was submit the lab slip I was sent two weeks prior to my appointment,” said Monica. “Then right before my appointment, I met with Bonnie Cotter, Registered Nurse at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, and she told me what to expect when meeting with Dr. English.”
Susan Makela, director of the UPTN, said that all patients are extremely pleased with Marquette General’s telehealth capabilities.
"Patients are very appreciative of telehealth services in our region – not having to drive long distances with unpredictable weather, not having to take time off from work, the ability to continue receiving specialty healthcare services locally – are comments we often hear from our patients utilizing the Upper Peninsula Telehealth Network,” said Makela.
Dr. English said that the recent designation of the Marquette General Surgical Weight Loss Center being named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence requires them to monitor patients frequently, and telehealth provides the means to accomplish this in our region.
“Telehealth that we are providing through the Upper Peninsula Telehealth Network, with hub operations at Marquette General, is helping us comply with required standards as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence,” said Dr. English. “Because we can provide telehealth services, the Marquette General Surgical Weight Loss Center is compliant where many other programs are falling short.”
Now down 96 pounds since her surgery, Monica said she couldn’t be more grateful for the expertise afforded to her by Dr. English and the staff at the Marquette General Surgical Weight Loss Center.
“Everyone was friendly, courteous and professional,” said Monica.
Marquette General serves as the hub of the 42-site telehealth network, which includes Baraga County Memorial Hospital. The UPTN provides core services in professional education, clinical consultations, administrative meetings, community education and support groups.
The sophisticated network provides more than 7,000 annual connections. In addition to Marquette General, the 42 sites comprise nine critical access hospitals, four community hospitals, a tribal health center, the Upper Peninsula Health Care Network, the Upper Peninsula Health Plan, Bay Cliff Health Camp and several medical clinics.
In 2008, 1,049 patients utilized telehealth services provides by the UPTN.
For more information about clinical telehealth services at Marquette General, call
(906) 225-4766 or visit Marquette General’s telehealth Web site at www.mgh.org/telehealth/index.html. You may also contact your local hospital for more information regarding telehealth capabilities in your area.
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