Maine Healthcare Expands Virtual Specialty Care Consults with $491K Boost
Becker's Hospital Review
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
St. Joseph Healthcare in Bangor, Maine, and the Community Care Partnership of Maine have received over $491,000 to enhance virtual specialty care consultations across the state. This funding, sourced from the Northern Border Regional Commission, aims to maintain and expand these curbside consults for 250 primary care providers over the next three years. The ACO's previous efforts have demonstrated the effectiveness of virtual consultations, reducing unnecessary in-person visits by over 1,900 in just two years, thereby alleviating pressure on healthcare facilities. This initiative underscores the growing significance of telehealth in improving access to specialized care and presents a model for cost-effective healthcare delivery amidst ongoing changes in the industry.
