To meet the needs of a growing number of Castro County residents with Type I and Type II diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other health care conditions requiring the specialty care of an endocrinologist, Castro County Healthcare is making endocrinology a locally available outpatient service using telehealth.
Patients can see an endocrinologist via a facilitated telehealth visit at the Medical Center of Dimmitt, Castro County Healthcare’s rural health clinic. Through a partnership with Troy Medical, Medical Center of Dimmitt patients can see an endocrinologist locally while maintaining continuity of care with their local primary care provider.
“Meeting the healthcare needs of our community is our top priority, and with the increasing number of children, adults, and seniors with diabetes, we knew we needed to make endocrinology care locally available,” said Elisha Rosier, RN, BSN, CEO, Castro County Healthcare. “By leveraging the power of telehealth within our clinic, we combine the best of both worlds – specialty physician access and coordinated care by trusted, familiar clinicians.”
Medical Center of Dimmitt has clinic space dedicated to telehealth visits where patients are seen privately. On-site clinicians set up the virtual visit, trouble shoot any connectivity issues, and ensure follow-up treatment plans are carried out.
About 13 percent of County residents have a diagnosis of diabetes, above the national average of 11 percent, according to U.S. News & World Report. Nearly 40 percent of residents are considered obese, putting them at increased risk of developing diabetes.
“Telehealth means we can offer specialty care to more of our patients so they don’t have to travel to Amarillo or even farther for the care they need,” said Shelley Bills, chair, Castro County Hospital District board of directors. “Having an endocrinologist virtually and locally available in our clinic means more timely care and better outcomes for our residents with endocrine disorders.”
Endocrinology is the second specialty telehealth service line Castro County Healthcare has implemented. Medical Center of Dimmitt patients can also access virtual behavioral health care through the clinic.