Telehealth Consults for Endocrine Patients
Patients Pleased with Use of Technology by St. Luke's Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology and St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital
March 24 Diabetes Alert Day a Call to Action for Diabetes Testing
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Coaldale, PA and Center Valley, PA. (3-24-2009) - Today marks Diabetes Alert Day, a national call to action sponsored by the American Diabetes Association to encourage the estimated 6.6 million people with undiagnosed diabetes to be tested. Tests for diabetes can be performed by family physicians, at urgent care centers, health clinics or with a referral to an endocrinologist.
In addition, today marks a day to demonstrate how technology can assist endocrinology patients from St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital to connect with top-notch endocrinology specialists at St. Luke's Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology -- 45 miles away.
Currently, endocrinologist Bankim Bhatt, MD, provides care for the patients at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital via telehealth.
Specialized Medical Care to Remote Locations
“I am honored to offer this service to patients in Schuylkill and Carbon Counties and the surrounding areas,” said Dr. Bhatt. “Many of these patients are elderly or perhaps too ill to drive an hour or more to see an endocrinologist. This initiative will serve a region that lacks physicians in medical specialties. And, while telehealth is not necessarily a new way to practice medicine, the technology offers us the opportunity to provide specialized medical care to an underserved patient base,” he explained.
While Dr. Bhatt is in his office in Center Valley, nurse practitioner Gretchen Heery, MSN, APRN, BC, assists the patient at the Coaldale-based hospital.
“I am able to be the hands and eyes for Doctor Bhatt, as I'm able to observe subtle health issues being on-site with the patient. With Dr. Bhatt's advanced training, he is able to identify other tests or exams that might be needed and together we are able to provide a complete assessment. This is truly a team effort to provide seamless, specialized care to our patients,” she said.
The telehealth initiative began in mid-March of this year. Patients who have utilized the technology thus far have been enthusiastic about their experience.
Patient Says Service is "Invaluable"
“As a patient with type II diabetes, this service will provide me with specialized information I need to monitor and control my condition,” said patient Bill Paslawsky of Hometown. “Because I work full time it is sometimes difficult to make appointments with an endocrinologist especially when I would have an hour's drive to the doctor's office. Now, I have the opportunity to speak with a physician without having to leave the area and can work it into my busy schedule. To me, this service is invaluable.”
Currently, the endocrinology telehealth hours are Fridays from 8:20 am to 12 pm. As the need arises, hours will expand to accommodate patients, said Dr. Bhatt. The practice is currently scheduling patients with a referral from primary care physicians. To schedule an appointment at the office or at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, patients should call 610-419-7300 after 9 am Monday to Friday.
Endocrinology is a medical specialty that treats patients who are diagnosed with type I and type II diabetes, pituitary dysfunction, adrenal dysfunction, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as any disorders of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, parathyroid glands, ovary or testis.
More About Dr. Bankim Bhatt
Board-certified in internal medicine and endocrinology, Dr. Bhatt graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA with a Bachelor's of Science degree in chemistry. He earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA. Dr. Bhatt completed his residency at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. and a three-year endocrinology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Temple University's School of Medicine and is particularly interested in treating patients with diabetes.
For more information about St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital and St. Luke's Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology, please see www.mystlukesonline.org.
For more information on diabetes and Diabetes Alert Day, see diabetes.org.
