A First in France to Fight Medical Desertification in Rural Areas
Indeed, the Alpes-Maritimes is the only French department to equip rural private physicians with teleexpertise cases. This true medical assistant allows for the performance of medical exams (cardiac, pulmonary, dermatological, and blood) at the physician’s office or at the patient’s home. Moreover, due to its connection to telecommunications networks (internet, satellite lines), physicians can benefit from the expertise of hospital specialists, available 24/7. In fact, in case of doubt, the doctor can securely transmit the images of an electrocardiogram to the cardiology department of Pasteur Hospital, and benefit urgently and directly from a specialist’s opinion. The results of other examinations, such as those of a wound, are given later.
Behind the Teleexpertise Lies a Case
Easy to use, this equipment consists of a laptop with a 3G card, and the following tools: electrocardiogram, blood pressure monitor, oximeter, spirometer, micro biological review, and a high-definition camera and webcam, which allow for video conferencing, teleconsultations, and more.
Out of the 30 rural private general practitioners, 11 [[Breil-sur-Roya, Guillaumes, Isola, Roquebillière, Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Tende, Valberg, Valderoure, and Villars-sur-Var]] have chosen to take advantage of this case provided for free by the General Council (a choice validated by the Medical Council and the Faculty of Medicine).
The Advantage of a Remote Diagnosis
This rapid intervention facilitates decision-making and the appropriate actions to take depending on the pathology. Another significant advantage of this new mode of transmission is that it prevents the patient from having to make long, arduous, often unnecessary trips.
The total cost of these teleexpertise cases amounts to €184,000, funded 70% by the Department.
