RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group was awarded a $784,200 grant from the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau (FCC) to enhance its telehealth services for patients. This includes resources for remote patient monitoring, equipment such as tablets, and a telehealth platform to allow for more comprehensive remote care for patients who are most vulnerable to sickness from COVID-19.
The new equipment and technology will enable RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group providers to use the devices to monitor patients’ blood pressure and oxygen saturation in their home environment and enable the patients to share their results directly with their providers, according to information provided by RWJB.
While the concept of seeing a health care provider through a computer or mobile phone is hardly new, telehealth was not widely utilized before the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, telemedicine has emerged as a successful platform to deliver efficient, convenient and safe access to health care, while limiting exposure to the virus. RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group providers have conducted 5,000 to 10,000 patient visits each week through telehealth since March, according to the statement.
“Throughout these unprecedented times, our medical group providers have worked tirelessly to provide the highest quality care to our patients,” Andy Anderson, MD, president and chief executive officer, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, said in the statement. “We are proud to have launched a telehealth program to meet the needs of our patients, especially those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. With this grant from the FCC, we are excited to be able to continue our efforts to provide the most innovative telehealth care to our patients as a convenient and safe option for their health care needs.”
The FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program was authorized by the CARES ACT — the third federal COVID-19 relief package. A total of more than $189.27 million in funding has been distributed to 514 urban and rural health care providers in 46 states and Washington, D.C.
Primary care physicians and specialists are available through RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group’s telehealth services. To connect, call 1-888-724-7123 and a staff member will assist with setting up the virtual visit. To book an appointment online, visit https://healthconnect.rwjbh.org/hcweb.