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Telemedicine Children’s Services At Garrett Regional Medical Center

August 1st, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) has partnered with the Kennedy Krieger Institute to provide psychological services via telemedicine for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities.  Kennedy Krieger is affiliated with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

 

“Kennedy Krieger is internationally recognized as a premier health institution for children with learning disabilities," said Kendra Thayer, Senior Vice President of Patient Services at GRMC.  “When they approached us about working with them to provide telemedicine services in a pilot program, we jumped at the chance. Often local families must travel to find the services their children need. This telemedicine program will allow families to receive care in their community from doctors renowned in the fields of learning disabilities and behavioral issues. It’s very exciting, for both GRMC and the people we serve.” 

 

The telemedicine services will be led by Dr. Deepa Menon, the assistant medical director at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and an assistant professor in the Neurology and Neurodevelopmental Medicine Program at Kennedy Krieger Institute.  She has been with Kennedy Krieger for more than 15 years; much of her clinical research has focused on autism. 

The services to be provided can benefit children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities that include attention deficit disorders, attention deficit hyperactive disorders and autism. 

The telemedicine consultations will be conducted in real time using a large flat screen monitor and cameras.  The patient and doctor will interact as if they were in the same room. No lag time in conversation will occur, as is typically found in commercial face-time systems such as Skype. Dr. Menon will work with each patient’s primary care provider in determining the appropriate care.

 

“Establishing this telemedicine service is yet another positive step in growing a comprehensive behavioral health network to support the needs of our three state, eight county service area,” Ms. Thayer concluded. 

 

The services are expected to start in mid-August and prospective patients should seek referrals from their primary care providers.  For more information, individuals may contact Garrett Regional Medical Center at 301-533-4000.

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