A telemedicine diagnosis by a Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University physician is credited with saving the life of a seven-month-old patient with a rare disease, according to a Portland Business Journal report.
Through the OHSU Telemedicine Network, a physician at OHSU's Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland was able to examine the patient at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria, Ore., using a two-way video conferencing system, according to the report.
The patient was diagnosed with a potentially fatal bacterial infection, and arrangements were made to airlift her to Portland. The physician also recommended intubating the patient, which proved a lifesaver after the helicopter was delayed by fog and the trip took three times as long as planned, according to the report.
The OHSU Telemedicine Network currently connects with 14 Oregon hospitals, including Columbia Memorial Hospital, and offers around-the-clock access to pediatric, neonatal, stroke, trauma, neurosurgery and other specialists.
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