The federal Health Resources and Services Administration has recognized The University of Mississippi Medical Center as one of two “Telehealth Centers of Excellence” in the nation, the agency’s top award. The recognition was announced during an October 5th news conference in Washington, D.C. UMMC will received $600,000 in initial funding with an opportunity for $2 million more over two years.
“The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s successful program is already a model for national telehealth expansion,” said U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss. “As a Center of Excellence, UMMC will be able to demonstrate to a broader audience how to use telehealth to increase patient access to care and decrease costs.”
The Center for Telehealth makes it possible for health care providers at UMMC to reach patients are caregivers in real time, using remote video calls and interactive tools. More than 500,000 patient visits have been recorded since the center began with just three sites around the state. The Center has since expanded into more than 200 physical telehealth sites today, as well as allowing providers to reach patients in their home.
