Network News is a publication of Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network.

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Patients from rural Montana are able to receive specialty consults in neurology through Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network. A trained nurse presenter functions as the hands of the neurologist at the rural site, testing strength and eliciting reflexes and sensations that are reported by the patient. A Billings Clinic provider located over 200 miles away evaluates patients via telemedicine with diagnoses such as Parkinson’s disease, MS, seizures, post stroke and dementia. Patients appreciate the financial savings and availability of local neurology care. The neurologist reports “there is no difference between the exam I do in my office and the exam done under my direction via telemedicine.

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.

EMTN, together with Billings Clinic clinical research outcomes team successfully launched a research study to the benefit of type 2 diabetics in the region. The PRISM (Promoting Realistic Individual Self Management) project provides frequent monitoring and education to study participants who receive this focused attention from their hometowns via interactive videoconferencing. The rural study participants see a dietitian, a social worker, a nurse educator, and a nurse practioner located at Billings Clinic through the Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network. Colstrip, Scobey, Red Lodge and Miles City are the rural partners in this study. Project funding is provided through the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

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.