Upper Peninsula Telehealth Network of Michigan

In The News

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.
Photo is copyrighted and reproduction or distrubution of the photo is prohibited.

During her telehealth appointment, Monica was able to see and speak to Dr. English face-to-face via two-way interactive technology.

Full Story

Upper Peninsula hemodialysis patients are benefiting from telemedicine services

Telemedicine services are now available in the Iron County Community Hospital dialysis unit in Crystal Falls.

With the assistance of USDA Rural Development Telemedicine Grant equipment was placed in the three-dialysis units. The equipment allows wireless telemedicine services within the dialysis units. Dialysis patients will be able to receive clinical services, and their caregivers will access continuing education programs via the systems.

J Marc. Himes, MD

Patient & Michelle (Unit Clerk) EUPDC

Bay Cliff Health Camp benefits from broadband technology

A partnership with Marquette General Health System has brought wireless broadband technology to Bay Cliff Health Camp. “This initiative created the infrastructure for enhanced access to medical care for campers and staff, and brought new operational efficiencies beginning with Internet communication and professional development,” states Tim Bennett camp director.

Thank you SBC Communication and UGLETI for funding this project! Thanks also to MGHS, Tandberg, Inc., Range Telecommunications, and anonymous individuals for providing matching funds.

Joining the Bay Cliff campers in the “wire cutting” were Randy Johnson, MD Chair of the Bay Cliff Board, Sally Davis, Program Director for Telehealth at MGHS, Andrew Bek, Executive Director of UGLETI, US Congressman Bart Stupak, and camp director Tim Bennett.

Technology had been under developed at Bay Cliff Health Camp prior to this initiative. The board’s vision of emotional and physical independence in disabled children had led them to create a summer camp environment that provides a retreat from the busyness of the outside world. The retreat atmosphere allows campers to focus on important therapy goals and life skills. During a major reconstruction project, the board acknowledged that a balanced use of technology holds the potential to enhance their mission and assist in administrative efficiencies.

The technology design for this project required the installation of high speed (T-1) access between Bay Cliff and it’s partner Marquette General Health System (MGHS). This connection brought Bay Cliff into the Upper Peninsula Health Information. Bay Cliff’s early applications will include Internet Access, Lotus Notes email, video conferenced staff education, and telemedicine. Future applications may include web hosting, laboratory results reporting, physician billing, knowledge-based resources and many more.

Bringing the technology to the point-of-service created some challenges due to the large multi-building campus and absence of network infrastructure between buildings. An omni-directional antenna within the administration building provides wireless connectivity to the administrative offices, conference room and the medical and dental clinics.

A wireless telemedicine system was placed in the building that houses the medical and dental clinics. Because of its mobility and wireless capabilities, the system is easily moved between the clinics to accommodate camper and staff needs. Wireless connectivity within the administrative building allows for Internet access and administrative and educational video conferencing.

Bay Cliff is a non-profit summer health camp for children with severe orthopedic, speech, hearing and vision disabilities. The primary mission of Bay Cliff is to improve the lives of children with physical disabilities. The priority program is a two-month intensive program of daily therapy and traditional camp activities where children learn to become more independent and are inspired to believe in themselves and their potential.

Bay Cliff Health Camp is located on Lake Superior, near Big Bay in Marquette County. The 165-acre camp serves 180 children each summer and, since it was founded, almost 11,000 children have benefited from this unique experience. The camp began in 1934 as a care center for undernourished and underprivileged children. The present focus on therapy evolved over the years as children with diabetes, polio, orthopedic impairments, cardiac disease, speech and hearing disabilities were accepted. Generous contributions from service clubs, organizations, businesses, foundations, industry, and individuals assure that children can attend camp without charge. Physicians, dentists and other health professionals donate their time to treat the campers and staff.