Evaluation of the Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program. Case Study Report. Dakota Telemedicine System, 96092, Bismarck, North Dakota

摘要

Medcenter One Health Systems developed the Dakota Telemedicine System (DTS) to connect a central hospital (Medcenter One) to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fargo and 10 remote sites. The project is partially funded by grants from the Rural Utility Service, as well as the TIIAP grant. North Dakota is characterized by a predominantly rural population that is underserved by medical services, typically located in major towns or cities that may be quite distant. Through telemedicine, primary care providers in remote clinics can obtain immediate consultations with specialists at larger care facilities before making diagnoses or transferring patients to major facilities for treatment. Additionally, patients may consult with specialists for follow-up care from a remote site.