Have you heard about telemonitoring, otherwise known as telehealth? It sounds very cyber age, but it is actually quite basic and easy. For those patients who qualify, a monitor is placed in the home. The patient and/or family member is instructed in the operation of the equipment which consists of a blood pressure cuff, a finger oximeter, and a scale. Each day at a designated time, the patient is instructed to check their vital signs using this equipment. In addition, there are 10 customized questions asked by the monitor regarding how the patient feels today, changes in symptoms, etc. This information is transmitted through the phone to a central station in our office where it is analyzed and follow-up conducted as necessary. Your doctor can be notified of your monitored results at any time. By using the telemonitor, you can hopefully avoid hospitalizations, prevent a problem, or seek medical attention that could affect your health. If you want more information, please contact us and we will be glad to tell you more about telehealth.

We’re growing! In recent months, we have added two additional nurses and one social worker to our clinical staff. To better meet our patient’s needs, we hope to expand our social work services to conduct long term care planning and resource coordination in the home. This is no small task but one that should be untaken sooner than later in most cases.

We are gearing up for flu season 2008-2009. So far, supplies of vaccine appear to be adequate. The flu clinic schedule will be ready next month, so stay tuned for the date and time of the clinic in your town. Lee conducts clinics in the following towns: Lee, Tyringham, Becket, Otis, Sandisfield, Middlefield, Blandford, Tolland, Egremont, Stockbridge, and Chester.  For more information regarding the Flu please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website at www.mass.gov/dph/flu.

Check out our 2008 Spring Newsletter for more great news!