Lower Keys Medical Center Offers 24/7 Telehealth Access to Infectious Disease Specialists

6/19/2026

Lower Keys Medical Center now offers on demand access to infectious disease specialists through a new telemedicine program. When the healthcare team identifies the need for an infectious disease consult for a patient, they can request a telemedicine consult from board certified infectious disease physicians. The consult notes are documented in the patient's medical record. The patient plan of care is then shared directly with the attending physician.

Drew Bigby, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center, said the telemedicine infectious disease program is another way the hospital is investing in providing specialty care close to home. "Studies have shown that using telemedicine for infectious disease consultation provides rapid, round-the-clock access to knowledge from specialists. I appreciate our staff who have worked on the technology and training necessary for us to provide this service."

Nationwide, the number of infectious disease physicians has continued to decline. Telemedicine is an evidence-based approach to providing experienced clinical care that can result in fewer delays in treatment, shorter hospital stays and fewer transfers out of the local community for care.

Caitlin Petrinec, R.N., ICU, and Kady Meeler, clinical lead medical surgical, set up telemedicine equipment for infectious disease consultation

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