UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group company, announced it will launch the Connected Care program in Colorado, giving patients in certain rural locations expanded access to physicians and specialists using telehealth technology.
In a release, the Company noted that the Colorado program is among the first in UnitedHealthcare's work with Cisco and others to build a national telehealth network.
The new 'Connected Care' program combines audio and video technology and health resources to greatly expand physicians' reach into rural, urban and other underserved areas.
UnitedHealthcare is partnering with the State of Colorado and Centura Health, with assistance from the Colorado Rural Health Center, to implement the program that leverages technology to give residents access to physicians and medical specialists when in-person visits are not possible.
'This is just another example of where Colorado is leading the nation to a healthier future,' said Gov. Bill Ritter. 'Through innovative technology and impressive collaboration we're solving critical health care challenges and making care affordable and accessible in all parts of Colorado. We're pleased to have it happening in our state and congratulate the partners on the launch of this important project.'
'Connected Care helps eliminate distance as an obstacle to accessing needed health care and provides underserved populations with a more convenient way to receive quality care,' said Beth Soberg, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Colorado. 'We are excited to bring the 'house call of the 21st century' to Colorado and to expand upon the state's current health care infrastructure through the use of this innovative technology.'
UnitedHealthcare has a history of supporting Colorado health care programs. The company has this decade provided $7.5 million in grants to support rural health programs statewide, including for health information technology, facility improvements and wellness programs.
'Connected Care provides a real-time solution in rural Colorado, maximizing technology that bridges the distance to clinical knowledge, specialized expertise and quality health services,' said Gary Campbell, president and CEO of Centura Health. 'We believe Connected Care will enhance the rural health infrastructure and unlock new possibilities for how our physicians and medical staff interact with and touch our patients.'
The Centura Health family includes 12 hospitals, seven senior living communities, medical clinics, Flight For Life and home care and hospice services.
UnitedHealthcare provides a full spectrum of consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services to individuals, public sector employers and businesses of all sizes, including more than half of the Fortune 100 companies.
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