Network News is a publication of Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network.

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Patients in rural Montana and Wyoming receive cardiology care through telemedicine technology. An electronic stethoscope transmits heart and lung sounds from the patient to the cardiologist in Billings. Rhythm, rate, and quality of heart sounds are assessed. A presenter places the stethoscope on the patient as directed by a cardiologist. Monthly clinics are offered at eight locations on the network. Patients are also seen at additional sites as needed. Dr. Barbara Dudczak added telecardiology to her practice in December of 2007. She notes that the quality of sound transmitted over the stethoscope is superior to the one she uses in daily practice. She has since been joined by five additional cardiologists from Billings Clinic offering telecardiology services.

Billings Clinic infectious diseases physicians have discovered a new way to connect with patients in the region. Using a desktop unit complete with camera and monitor screen located in an exam room in the Infectious Diseases department, the doctors consult with patients across Montana. Challenging cases have been referred from local providers to these specialists. Current patients also have taken advantage of using the system for follow-up visits. Cases varied from surgical wound infections to stubborn recurring facial rashes, fevers of unknown origin to MRSA. In each case, physicians were able to provide education, further testing suggestions to pinpoint a diagnosis, or patient specific treatment.

In August of 2002, Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network deployed the "Cuddle Cam" to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Billings Clinic. This two-way interactive videophone system allows a parent who has been discharged from the hospital to monitor their newborn infant who must remain in the NICU. The low-band width videophone is mounted on a customized IV pole for use in the NICU and a second unit is sent home with the parents. This easy-too-use system operates over standard phone lines (POTS) and access is possible from anywhere there is regular phone service. With approval by the NICU staff, the parents can see, hear, and talk to their newborn child in real time. The units are sent out with step-by-step instructions and EMTN tech support is available 24/7 if problems do arise.

With the diagnosis of cancer, many treatment options are considered. In addition to standard treatment, various research studies are available to Billings Clinic patients. Frequent monitoring of blood work and evaluating side effects on a scheduled basis are a part of both research and standard protocols. Lab work and chemotherapy administration can be accomplished in many rural communities. Access to the oncologist is a critical part of treatment. Billings Clinic oncologists connect with patients from Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network sites. Decreasing the physical demands of travel for patients undergoing treatments is a benefit of these consults. Assessment, education, personal connection and prescribing treatment are accomplished over hundreds of miles through telemedicine technology.