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Telemedicine Technology

Becoming parents is the greatest joy for most couples. But getting to this point can be difficult for couples in rural areas like Scott and Crystal Bean in Tullahoma, who didn't have access to the latest technology..

Before the opportunity to use telemedicine came along, Sarah Treat is a Family Nurse practitioner at Regional Obstetrical Consultants in Chattanooga.

Sarah Treat, STORC Project says "it's a full office visit, but it's happening in Tullahoma."

From Chattanooga.. Sarah uses specialized video equipment that connects specialists here in Chattanooga with patients and their physicians in rural areas.. to share real time medical data.

Scott & Crystal Bean, Expectant Parents say "It's groundbreaking to us, we like it, really impressive, helps us to not have to drive so far to get good care."

And that is exactly what this pilot program is designed to do. Because some people in rural area's can't make it to Chattanooga for care which can have serious consequences for those facing high risk conditions.

Sarah Treat says "We take care of moms with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, we also take care of mothers who have abnormal triple screens, genetic disorders for mom and baby.."

For Scott and Crystal, this program has not only given them convenient access to specialty medical care they desperately need, but also peace of mind, as they anxiously await the birth of their bundle of joy.

Right now doctors and patients in Tullahoma and Newport have access to the telemedicine equipment, but over the next 12-18 months, nine other areas will be added, giving those in rural areas a much better chance at having a healthy baby. This is a three year pilot project sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.