Little Rock-based University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences launched a digital health clinic that uses telemedicine to treat spinal patients statewide.
Through the program, UAMS patients with spinal disorders, spinal cord tumors and individuals recovering from surgery can go to their closest UAMS regional campus to receive care from a specialist instead of having to travel to Little Rock. The clinics use a live video and data connection so the specialist from Little Rock can participate in the appointment virtually.
"The goal of the clinic is to help eliminate long distance travel for our patients," said T. Glenn Pait, MD, director of UAMS' spine institute, according to a news release. "The clinic can work with patients before surgery, follow-up visits after surgery, and other therapies that can assist with their spinal conditions."
Dr. Pait trained the nursing staff at each of UAMS' eight regional campuses to perform neurological and spinal exams per the physician's request. Dr. Pait then reviews and discusses the patient's medical records, radiology studies and imaging with the patient.
The digital health clinic first opened in April at three of UAMS' Arkansas-based campuses in Fort Smith, Jonesboro and Texarkana. UAMS aims to increase the program to all eight UAMS regional campuses and complete two patient visits per day for a total of 32 appointments per month.