Through this partnership, Cookeville Regional’s medical team can connect with board-certified infectious disease specialists

Infectious disease physician Dr. Mark Pierce has joined the Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) while the hospital is working to improve coverage of infectious disease specialists via telemedicine and patient care by partnering with Access TeleCare.

“This collaboration ensures that inpatients requiring treatment for complex bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections—such as meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, cellulitis, abscesses and HIV—have immediate access to expert care,” according to a release by CRMC.

Amy Rich, Chief Nursing Officer at CRMC, says consistent care is a priority.

“Providing consistent, high-quality care when our patients need it is a top priority at our medical center,” said Rich. “Telemedicine partnerships are a growing part of health care strategies nationwide, and we are excited to expand our telehealth services. In addition to infectious disease telemedicine, we already offer teleneurology through Vanderbilt University Medical Center and QLER Telepsych services to ensure our patients receive expert care from top-tier physicians.”

Through this partnership, Cookeville Regional’s medical team can connect with board-certified infectious disease specialists via secure, high-resolution telemedicine technology within minutes.

“This allows on-site physicians, nurses, and clinicians to consult specialists for diagnosis and treatment without transferring patients to other facilities. Access TeleCare has worked closely with CRMC’s clinical and operational teams to ensure the necessary resources are in place to support this advanced level of care, according to the release.

While patients remain in their bed the CRMC staff will wheel in the telemedicine monitor and “connect with an infectious disease specialist to begin their assessment.”

“There’s no reason that someone’s ZIP code should determine their access to the best clinical resources,” said Chris Gallagher, M.D., CEO of Access TeleCare. “Cookeville residents rely on Cookeville Regional Medical Center to be there for them, no matter their health care need or challenge. With our partnership, Cookeville Regional is keeping that promise.”

Photo via Freepik.

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