HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Regional Medical Center announced a new telepulmonology program that will allow the hospital to provide top quality pulmonology services to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of local provider schedules.

According to a release from the hospital, due to the growing shortage of physicians, rural hospitals nationwide are using telemedicine to ensure consistent physician coverage.

The hospital already utilizes telemedicine in its stroke program, and Horizons Mental Health Center has also been aided by telemedicine using it to provide therapy and evaluation services to its clients.

Telemed is used to do screenings through the Emergency Department, for appointments at the Reno County Correctional Facility and to treat patients in remote locations.

The telepulmonology program is made possible through a partnership between Hutch Regional and Eagle Telemedicine, an Atlanta-based provider that is a pioneer in the field.