Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Launches Telehealth Service Line

On Nov 7, 2019

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center has launched its own telehealth service line, the first telemedicine transitional care platform in the United States with Telemedicine911 patient safety.  This initial program is in partnership with Air Visits, a Little Falls-based telemedicine practice, medical device manufacturer, and software development company.  This project is one of several vital expansion and community program endeavors, sparked by information from the community health needs assessment that will be funded by The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Foundation. The foundation’s support is critical in funding much needed programs for communities such as this one.

“We have prioritized offering high quality healthcare services in a convenient format to all patients regardless of their insurance provider,” said Bergen New Bridge President and CEO Deborah Visconi. “TeleHealth is the next evolution of that commitment which will help reduce healthcare disparities and improve access to care while reducing unnecessary hospital visits.”

This state-of-the-art program still utilizes the traditional US 911 system; however, the new system allows a doctor, who is remote to the patient, the ability to activate and coordinate the 911 dispatcher and associated emergency services where the patient is located.  “For inpatient discharges this could mean the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Alexander Chiu, Medical Director, Bergen New Bridge Cares. “Bergen New Bridge treats a significant number of patients with behavioral health conditions, as well as, high-risk medical conditions.  Platforms with Telemedicine911 are needed to provide safe and effective care because the risk of an emergency is high,” added Chiu.

The Bergen New Bridge Cares program with Telemedicine911 is able to treat more serious conditions such as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), and as the Medical Center is a leader in behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment, mental health crises with suicidal ideation, and other conditions can also be addressed. Patients who are concerned that they are having an emergency are still encouraged to call 911 before contacting the Cares program.  However, Bergen New Bridge Cares doctors can help to diagnose the emergency and coordinate 911 to facilities appropriate for their condition.  Not only does this offer increased patient safety, but widens the types of patients who can be treated.

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