News
CHICAGO, IL – The Partnership for a Connected Illinois (PCI), in partnership with the American Telemedicine Association announced today that AVIA is the recipient of the 2018 Award for Advancing Telehealth by Innovation. AVIA is the nation’s leading network of healthcare organizations committed to transforming care through digital innovation.
The Awards for Excellence in Telehealth Leadership are given to organizations that have made exceptional contributions to advancing telehealth in Illinois on behalf of their members, employees, communities, providers, and patients. AVIA connects 35+ action-oriented health systems across the nation. Illinois Members like Advocate Aurora Health, Edward-Elmhurst Health, Northwestern Medicine, OSF HealthCare, and Rush University Medical Center trust AVIA to help them identify, implement, and scale the best digital solutions to support their strategic objectives.
Telehealth is a top tier priority for many of these health systems. AVIA worked with Rush University Medical Center to identify a virtual physician’s assistant tool that can complete a personalized, dynamic clinical interview in 2-4 minutes, as compared to 20 minutes from in-person or video-based care. The solution provides patients with access to telehealth services for less complex illnesses, saving patients unnecessary trips to their primary care provider and nearby emergency department. AVIA also worked with OSF HealthCare in Peoria to improve patient access to behavioral health services. Through its work with AVIA, OSF HealthCare discovered and scaled a digital solution that offers behavioral health programs to support and promote positive behavior change and mental wellness. The program’s tools are similar to what patients would receive in a face-to-face therapy session and are free for patients and the broader community.
“We are honored to receive the 2018 Award for Advancing Telehealth by Innovation,” says Linda Finkel, AVIA President. “At AVIA, our goal is to make healthcare better through digital transformation. For many of our Members, that means powering up their telehealth capabilities by scaling best-of-breed innovations to improve care delivery and patient access. We’re privileged to be entrusted with that work and thrilled with this recognition.”
AVIA will receive its award during the 2018 Awards for Excellence in Telehealth Leadership luncheon on November 13, 2018 to be held at the offices of McDermott Will & Emery LLP. Ann Mond Johnson, CEO of the American Telemedicine Association, will be the featured guest speaker.
About AVIA
AVIA leads a network of health systems working together to innovate and transform. AVIA Innovator Network members solve pressing challenges with digital solutions that deliver financial and clinical results. AVIA provides strategic focus and a collaborative approach to accelerate innovation. Learn more at aviahealthinnovation.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About the Partnership for Connected Illinois
Partnership for a Connected Illinois (PCI) is an Illinois 501(C) (3) nonprofit organization. The organization was formed in 2009 with the mission to ensure broadband access throughout the State of Illinois and to maximize its impact and adoption. PCI oversaw the expenditure of over $305 million for the expansion of broadband over 3,593 miles in Illinois. In 2015, with the completion of its Federal grants, PCI shifted its focus to broadband adoption through the use of telehealth. PCI created a project, the Illinois Telehealth Initiative, which conducts educational events on telehealth law, organizes telehealth demonstration projects and recognizes organizations that have demonstrated leadership in advancing telehealth in Illinois. To learn more about PCI, visit http://www.broadbandillinois.org.
About the American Telemedicine Association
Established in 1993, the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) is a non-profit, membership-based association located in Washington DC. Comprised of a membership network of more than 10,000 industry leaders and healthcare professionals, ATA is the leading telehealth association helping to transform healthcare by improving the quality, equity, and affordability of healthcare throughout the world. To learn more about ATA, visit http://www.americantelemed.org.
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CONTACT:
Kate Soden
Senior Director, Marketing Communications
AVIA
312-999-9600
ksoden@avia.health
Nancy Kaszak
Director
Illinois Telehealth Initiative
773-614-1930
telehealth@broadbandillinois.org