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Screening Diabetic And Hypertensive Patients For Ocular Pathology Using Telemedicine Technology In Rural West Virginia: A Retrospective Chart Review, Rezwan Ahmed Md, Stephen M. Petrany, Russell Fry Ii, Michael Krasnow Do, Phd

Internal Medicine

Abstract: Purpose: There is a disparity between the number of people who need healthcare and availability of medical services in rural areas. This paper describes the experience of using telemedicine technologies for ophthalmologic evaluation in diabetic and hypertensive patients presenting to a community health center in rural West Virginia.

Methods: A registered nurse at a community health center in McDowell County, WV was trained to use a retinal camera to capture high-resolution digital images of the retina. Patients with diabetes or hypertension were screened during their routine primary care visits. Retinal photos were transmitted to an ophthalmologist for review and …