news

AMSTERDAM, NY—U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko and Elise Stefanik announced today that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has awarded $61,515 to improve telehealth for Saratoga Hospital Consortium in Saratoga Springs. The funding is intended for remote diagnosis and monitoring equipment and other telehealth equipment to treat patients with COVID-19 infection and to expand telehealth to other patients with symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

“This crisis has shined a spotlight on both the successes and failures of the FCC in making sure the American people have the broadband access they need to get by during this crisis,” Congressman Tonko said. “I am gratified that FCC is taking seriously their responsibility to help Upstate New York health care providers overcome poor quality broadband service and the many problems it causes. Now more than ever, patients need to have access to telemedicine that keeps them safe and healthy. Congratulations to the folks at our own Saratoga Hospital Consortium for earning this much deserved federal support at such a critical time.”

“This funding for Saratoga Hospital Consortium is critical in ensuring patients have access to remote healthcare services during COVID-19,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Non-COVD-19 related health concerns should not be ignored during this challenging time, and improving telehealth capabilities will ensure patients can continue to keep doctors updated on any concerns they have with their health. I appreciate the FCC taking our concerns seriously – this federal support is crucial for the Saratoga Hospital Consortium.”

“Out of necessary efforts to prevent further spread of COVID-19, telemedicine has quickly become the primary method of connection between a patient and their doctor,” Saratoga Hospital CEO and President Angelo Calbone said. “Unfortunately, anyone who doesn’t have access to internet services and equipment can’t participate. Sometimes, a video visit can’t provide enough clinical information about a patient’s current status for those with chronic or serious conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. This grant enables us to pilot a Facilitated Telemedicine program that will provide essential medical care to these underserved populations without having to leave their homes. We are grateful to Congressman Paul Tonko and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for their support of the CARES Act, which enabled the funding to address this critical need.”

Rep. Tonko has long fought for improved broadband access across New York State and the nation. In May he sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai detailing the agency’s systemic failure to support NY residents without broadband internet access. The letter contained testimonial from parents, teachers, students and business owners across the Capital Region struggling without access.

Tonko also joined in introducing the House Democratic Plan to Connect All Americans to Affordable Broadband Internet for the Coronavirus stimulus response, an updated version of the broadband provisions of House Democrats’ Moving America Forward Framework.

Funding will begin with Saratoga Hospital Medical Group primary care practices in Galway and Schuylerville in upstate New York. On the orders of a primary care physician and with the consent of the patient, a medical technologist will visit a patient’s home, set up a laptop with hotspot wireless access, and facilitate the patient’s video visit with their doctor. Doctors will receive the patient’s clinical information in real time. This Facilitated Telemedicine program will provide the same quality care as the patient would receive in an office visit while minimizing risk of the further spread of COVID-19. The program is expected to start in June.

This round of funding marks the seventh provided through the FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The program, authorized by the CARES Act, has approved funding for 132 health care providers in 33 states as well as Washington, DC for a total of just over $50 million in funding. 

###