2 l 2018 Report to Our Community T E L E M E D I C I N E AS HOSPITALS look for ways to provide their patients with increased access to clinicians and services, a new form of healthcare has emerged that allows patients to connect with medical specialists virtually. Telemedicine uses the power of the Internet to link patients to physicians, eliminating physical and geographic barriers. Over half of U.S. hospitals currently use telemedicine in some capacity, and Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH) is pleased to offer this valuable service, thanks to our affiliation with GraniteOne Health. Using laptops and tablets, we can connect our patients to some of the leading specialists in neurology and stroke care, through Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH, one of the region’s foremost medical centers. “Technology is changing the way healthcare is delivered,” says Michael Lindberg, MD, MCH’s Chief Medical Officer. “While in-person, one-on- one consultations with clinicians will always be an option for our patients, telemedicine expands the continuum of care to folks in rural areas who may have limited access to leading specialists.” Telemedicine has proven to be a critical tool for helping first responders and emergency department personnel quickly and accurately assess patients suffering from strokes or other neurological issues. This results in quicker diagnoses and faster treatment regimens, often preventing long-term neurological issues. “Telemedicine is truly revolutionizing healthcare,” says Dr. Lindberg. “Being able to provide our patients with 24-hour access to specialists is a real game-changer.” RURAL reach Monadnock Community Hospital is a member of GraniteOne Health, a non-profit, community- based healthcare system providing New Hampshire residents with convenient access to advanced clinical services and surgical subspecialties. Learn more at graniteonehealth.org.