KANE — This month, UPMC Kane launched a new virtual telemedicine hospitalist program in partnership with the UPMC Center for Community Hospitalist Medicine, an important element of UPMC Kane’s transformation plan to enhance and improve the health care system in the community through a sustainable and vibrant new model of care.

“Hospitalists are physicians who specialize in ‘inpatient medicine,’ serving as the attending doctor coordinating care for patients while they are hospitalized,” said Mark Papalia, UPMC Kane president. “They serve as a conduit with the patient’s complete care team, including their primary care physician.”

The tele-hospitalist program features board-certified internists who specialize in inpatient hospital care delivering care to UPMC Kane patients virtually through high-resolution cameras, which include advanced diagnostic equipment.

“Launching this virtual hospitalist program here at UPMC Kane connects our hospitalized patients with 24-7 access to our medical experts in Pittsburgh,” said Papalia. “Through this innovative technology our inpatients receive ‘virtual rounds’ and on-demand consultation access with UPMC’s vast network of physicians and advanced clinical resources.”

This program allows UPMC Kane inpatients to have ready access to the highest level of inpatient physician care without leaving town. Through an advanced and secure telemedicine system, UPMC hospitalists will manage the care of patients in collaboration with a local team of nurse practitioners, nurses, and support teams to provide 24-7 immediate access to world-class care at UPMC Kane.

“This concept is a truly innovative care delivery model that will transform health care in rural Pennsylvania by delivering the highest quality and safest care to rural communities,” said Papalia. “It further ensures long-term financial stability and necessary efficiencies for our local health care system.”