FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2020
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES PARTNERS WITH TELEHEALTH PROVIDER STATIONMD
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/w8XL52g1PW0
MAPLEWOOD, New Jersey – The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) has partnered with a specialized telehealth company, StationMD, to serve the state’s intellectual and developmentally disabled (IDD) population. Tennessee residents with IDD are now eligible to use their Medicaid waiver funds for this unique telehealth service.
StationMD is a telehealth medical service that offers immediate virtual access to board certified physicians specifically trained in the care of people with IDD. The service is available 24-hours a day/7-days a week to act as an additional resource to the individual’s medical care. Individuals, family members and support staff are encouraged to call for any medically related concerns or questions.
StationMD’s Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Maulik Trivedi, noted, “Our team of specially trained doctors understand the stress and risk associated with an avoidable trip to the ER or doctor’s office. We want to ensure that Tennessee residents with IDD can access high-quality medical care anytime they need it from the comfort and safety of their home. Individuals with IDD have been disproportionally impacted by COVID-19 making a specialized service like ours especially important. We are honored to be at the forefront of the state’s initiative to bring telehealth to its population.”
Using HIPAA compliant video technology, StationMD physicians have the capability to provide immediate evaluations without an appointment. This includes their ability to check an individual’s heart and lung sounds through a virtual on-line connection.
“Technology-based solutions have been critical during the COVID-19 public health emergency, enabling persons with disabilities to receive the supports they need while practicing social distancing,” said DIDD Commissioner Brad Turner. “We want to use StationMD across all of the department’s direct-service settings to dramatically reduced reliance on emergency rooms for assessment and treatment needs. We fully intend to continue this successful treatment approach long after the pandemic ends.”
###
About StationMD
StationMD is a healthcare solution that delivers sophisticated medical care through telemedicine, offering immediate access at any time to high-quality, board certified doctors who are specially trained in the care of vulnerable populations. Through HIPAA compliant two-way video technology, and with the use of Bluetooth medical tools, StationMD physicians can assess individuals in their home setting. They can provide treatment plan recommendations and quality medical care to keep patients safe, healthy and in place whenever possible. Learn more at StationMD.com, and follow along via Twitter (@StationMD) and on Facebook and LinkedIn (StationMD).
About the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is the state agency responsible for administration and oversight of community-based services for approximately 8,000 people with intellectual disabilities as well as 4,000 people through the Family Support Program. Every day, the department strives to support people to live rewarding and fulfilling lives. It does so by ensuring people are free to exercise rights, engage with their broader communities and experience optimal health. DIDD is the first state service delivery system in the nation to receive Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership. It has also been recognized as a national leader in its efforts to increase competitive, community-based employment outcomes for people with disabilities.