Huntsville Hospital Expands Telemedicine Access Across Tennessee Valley

The program, which was launched in February, enables residents to consult with neurologists and psychiatrists remotely.

In an effort to enhance healthcare accessibility across North Alabama, Huntsville Hospital has launched a telemedicine program to serve patients in rural areas throughout the Tennessee Valley.

The program, which was launched in February, enables residents to consult with neurologists and psychiatrists remotely. Virtual visits include symptom discussions, medical history reviews, diagnostic test ordering, and medication prescriptions.

Sara Werner, who runs the telemedicine program at Huntsville Hospital, says it can be hard for people in rural areas to receive the healthcare they need.

The hope is that this new program will address that issue.

She said this program allows doctors to provide a greater level of specialty care to all of their patients in North Alabama.

“So far, it has been inspiring to see how willing everyone has been to accept this new program here,” said Werner.

Werner noted that the response from providers and patients alike has been positive.

”We have gotten a lot of great feedback from our community hospitals. This is great, not just for those hospitals who are now able to keep their patients, but also the patients don’t have to choose between getting that specialty care or remaining near their friends and families for treatment.”

The program caters to a variety of needs, from patients dealing with anxiety and depression to those showing stroke-like symptoms, offering timely and expert care virtually.

The program was partly funded by a state grant of over $1 million, which the Huntsville Hospital Foundation used to procure several telemedicine carts.

Telemedicine services are currently active at Madison Hospital and Helen Keller Hospital, and plans are underway to expand virtual care's reach further.

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