Addressing the Surge in Syphilis Cases with Telemedicine
September 6, 2023 (DALLAS, Texas) – As parts of the U.S. experience a surge in syphilis cases, Access TeleCare is leveraging its advanced telemedicine capabilities and broad network of board-certified infectious disease specialists to equip hospitals and clinics to provide specialty care and treatment. This critical service is proving invaluable amid a national shortage of infectious disease physicians.
Mississippi, for example, saw a more than 900 percent increase in congenital syphilis cases between 2016 and 2023, according to a report from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The number of cases in Arkansas doubled between 2019 and 2022.
Telemedicine is Bridging the Gap in Infectious Disease Care
Access TeleCare’s telemedicine programs eliminate the care gaps caused by physician shortages by placing specialists in clinics and at the bedside wherever they are needed via advanced technology. Since 2019, Access TeleCare has grown its teleInfectious disease presence in hospitals and outpatient clinics nationwide from four programs in 2019 to 26 in 2023 with more projected by the end of the year.
“Access TeleCare’s mission is to ensure that every health care organization, irrespective of location, has access to the specialized expertise needed to provide timely treatment for isolated infectious disease cases as well as outbreaks similar to those we’re seeing regionally in the U.S. with syphilis,” said Chris Gallagher, M.D., Access TeleCare CEO.
EMR Integration and Specialized Expertise from Access TeleCare
Dedicated and credentialed to each facility they partner with, Access TeleCare specialists work within their respective Electronic Medical Records (EMRs). This model provides an effective solution to the difficulties faced in recruiting and employing such specialists, who often bring experience garnered from international study of regionally specific infectious diseases.
“Access TeleCare’s goal is to ensure no community is left without access to top-tier health care, no matter the circumstances,” said Jade Le, M.D., Access TeleCare chief of infectious disease. “Timely access to treatment in cases of infectious diseases such as syphilis is essential to reducing the spread and effects of the disease. We are proud to be able to provide that access across the country.”
Eighty percent of U.S. counties lack a single infectious disease specialist, according to the Infectious Disease Society of America. The medical school and training pipeline for new infectious disease physicians also remains depressed. Only 74 percent of infectious disease fellowship positions were filled in the latest fellowship match year.
Revolutionizing Healthcare Delivery with Telemedicine
With its embedded models for delivering exceptional care, Access TeleCare is revolutionizing the way health care is delivered. The company’s commitment to quality and patient-centered care ensures that patients receive the best care possible, no matter their location. Access TeleCar’s innovative approach to delivering telemedicine services ensures that even those living in rural or remote areas can receive care from specialists in their home communities. The company’s proven approach not only aids in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases but also paves the way for a more resilient, responsive healthcare system in the future.
