Three East Valley Banner Health hospitals are testing a program that allows patients with behavioral health issues in hospital emergency departments to “see” a psychiatrist via a secured video link.
Banner Ironwood Medical Center in the San Tan Valley started using the program in late November, with Banner Desert Medical Center and Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa scheduled to begin this month.
“While most hospitals don’t have psychiatric services available around the clock in their emergency department, this program offers patients in psychiatric crisis the opportunity to receive almost immediate treatment,” said Suzanne Gotell, nursing manager of Banner Ironwood’s emergency department.
Using Telepsych, an emergency physician can request a consult from a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner at the Banner Psychiatric Center, a 24/7 behavioral health center in Scottsdale.
