DENVER -- People with chronic illnesses like diabetes and congestive heart failure are getting a better handle on their health, thanks to some new technology. Using video interaction, patients can get a complete physical exam without going to the doctor's office. And so far, in Colorado, it is having great results.
Bob Bradley is talking to a nurse at home using TeleHealth, a home health monitoring system.
"It's so easy to operate," he said.
The TeleHealth equipment is run through a regular phone line. The phone rings, the patient pushes the start button and then the nurse starts up the video connection allowing patients like Bradley to see who they are talking to.
"It makes it more personal," Bradley said.
Better yet, the technology allows patients to have regular checkups without leaving the comfort of their homes.
"With very simple processes, the patient can have their vital signs taken, their heart and lungs listened to, their weight taken," said Erin Denholm, with Centura Health at Home.
"I's a convenient way of taking care of yourself," Bradley said.
That convenience takes the burden off of caretakers.
"This has made a big difference in my day," said Bradley's daughter, Barbara Varnedoe. "I don't have to take him to the doctor's office to get everything monitored. He can do it over the machine."
Centura Health at Home has been using the TeleHealth technology as part of a study in Colorado.
So far, results show a 90 percent reduction in hospital admissions, a 100 percent reduction in emergency room visits and an overall 73 percent savings in medical care costs.
The TeleHealth system is currently not widely available. For more information talk to your health care provider or go to
CenturaHealthAtHome.org or call Centura Health at Home at (303) 561-5000.
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