|
July 19, 2007
House Approves Ellsworth Request for New Union Hospital Telemedicine Program
WASHINGTON - Living up to his pledge to disclose projects that are on track to receive federal funding, Rep. Brad Ellsworth today announced he requested federal funds for Union Hospital's new RuralHouseCalls.com telemedicine program. The $200,000 in funding for the program was included as part of the FY 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations measure approved by the House.
The funds were requested by Union Hospital and will be used to create RuralHouseCalls.com, a telemedicine program designed to provide patients with doctor consultations through a low-cost, secure, virtual exchange system. The program aims to provide increased access to quality health care for residents of rural areas.
"Americans receive some of the best health care in the world when they can access it. But too often, cost and distance prevent people in rural areas from seeking care when they need it. These funds will help ensure Hoosiers living in rural areas have access to the quality care they deserve," said Ellsworth. "I am proud to have supported this project, and I will continue to work for federal investment to increase access to quality health care for 8th District communities."
"We thank Congressman Ellsworth for helping us move forward with this groundbreaking program. Through secure web-based technology, patients in rural areas will have greater access to their healthcare provider and greater control over their health. This system helps bridge distances between patients and doctors which enhances the health of people living in rural America," said James Turner, D. O., Director of the Lugar Center for Rural Health at Union Hospital.
Passage by the House is only the first step in the process. The bill will next go to a Conference Committee of House and Senate members who will work to combine both Chambers' bills in a Conference Report. Upon passage of the Conference Report by the House and Senate, the final bill will then be sent to the President to be signed into law.
###
|
