Methodist Hospital installs Siemens 1st MedStage telemedicine platform

Methodist Hospital Division of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia has implemented Siemens Medical Solutions' MedStage telemedicine platform for disease management and tele-ophthalmology.

Methodist Hospital is the first facility in the United States to implement the technology, which Siemens plans to release domestically in the third quarter.

The facility says its diabetic patients will benefit from remote diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma services enabled by MedStage and operated by ophthalmologic medical service provider Interactive Medicine Inc.

Accessible via the Internet, MedStage optimizes the ophthalmic workflow and communication by linking physicians and their medical devices with experts at any location. Patients' medical findings are gathered and documented online, together with physician comments, recommendations and messages.

MedStage then distributes this information in an electronic health record accessible by the appropriate care providers. The system automatically informs providers about pending tasks, coordinates appointments, and manages necessary documentation from patient registration and care planning to treatment tracking and quality management -- all of which means that physicians can monitor and optimize patient treatment progress electronically, improving workflow and patient care processes.

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