May 19 2014
CNOW™, the longest continuous provider of telehealth solutions for individuals with a dual diagnosis of developmental disabilities and mental disorders, is pleased to announce an innovative partnership with ValueOptions®, New York Market.
ValueOptions is the nation's largest independent company specializing in behavioral health and wellness. CNOW's proposed telemedicine model will effectively allow ValueOptions, New York Market members to receive psychiatric care, counseling, case management and related services regardless of member location via exclusive interactive telehealth video technology. This strategic partnership will provide members with improved and immediate access to support for their behavioral health needs. The pilot's success could eventually impact other ValueOptions locations comprising over 30 million members across the nation and world.
Telemedicine, which includes interactive video conferencing and remote monitoring, is projected to be a $2.9 billion industry by the year 2019. Correspondingly, medical costs are expected to continue their rampant growth. It is expected that hospitalizations will require the lion's share of costs. To reduce these hospitalizations, it is recognized that quick and appropriate access to care is a necessity to which the CNOW system has been specifically designed to provide.
This pioneering model will be the first of its kind to concurrently improve quality of care to members while minimizing the costs and over-utilization of hospitalization, including emergency room and psychiatric facilities. The implications of this partnership include immediate, touch-of-a-button service access for members requiring support during times in which they need it most.
CNOW has been delivering telehealth solutions connecting individuals and their families with qualified clinical support in natural environments since 1999. Over half a million telehealth sessions have been conducted using the CNOW system, bridging the gap between patient need and the paucity of support during critical times when intervention is imperative. Telehealth overcomes barriers such as distance, schedule conflicts or lack of qualified clinicians within the area. This modality of treatment allows for members to instantly connect to treatment and support. CNOW has been the only telehealth technology demonstrated twice at the U.S. Senate Hearings on Combating Autism. It has been the recipient of three major grants evaluating the efficacies of remote treatment for individuals with a dual diagnosis of developmental disabilities and mental disorders.
"This partnership with ValueOptions provides an exciting opportunity for CNOW," says Tim Miller, Director of CNOW Telehealth Solutions. "Our technology has been proven in delivering instant remote support while overcoming common service barriers. This pilot will further endorse the use of telemedicine technologies to augment treatment within this population. We look forward to what the future holds."
"ValueOptions, New York Market is excited about working with CNOW and using their technology for our members. It will offer them another avenue for access and availability for our initial pilot. Having access to a clinician 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allows intervention at any time of the day to ensure our members health and wellness needs are being met at all times," says Glenn Polansky, President, ValueOptions, New York Market.
Source: http://www.cnowinc.com