“Telepsychiatry is currently one of the most effective ways to increase access to psychiatric care for individuals living in underserved areas” - American Psychiatric Association
MEDIKO is committed to providing a cost effective solution to populations suffering from a lack of adequate mental health care. The benefits provided by Telepsychiatry can be applied in several diverse settings. Successful applications have included both inpatient and outpatient facilities. Realizing the unlimited potential of this technology MEDIKO is focused on expanding into new horizons.
By providing qualified Psychiatrists with excellent credentials, MEDIKO delivers the solution for continuity of care through Telepsychiatry. This solution also reduces cost by eliminating the need for locum tenens coverage, and brings the Psychiatrist to you, regardless of geographical location.
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Innovative solutions
“Another particularly noteworthy cost savings is MEDIKO’s management of psychiatric services using teleconferencing connections with consulting psychiatrist. …The cost savings are enormous…”
- Lee Noble (Superintendent, Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority)
Understanding of collateral costs
“one of the most important aspects of the proposal was Dr. Ofogh’s solution to alleviate the problem of travel brought about by the remoteness of our facilities…proposed that…allow him to provide tele-medicine for psychiatric services. Our officers do not have to leave the facility to take inmates to an outside provider…”
- Stephen Clear (Assistant Superintendent, Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority)
Cost management
“We are able to maintain control of drug cost through use of a standard formulary developed by Dr. Ofogh…as an example, in May and June 2005 before tele-medicine, the average inmate population was 723 and the cost of psychotropic medicines was $19,407. In May and June 2007, after Tele-medicine, the average inmate population was 1550 and the cost …was $15,033.”
- Stephen Clear (Assistant Superintendent, Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority)
Understanding the relationship between services and impact on cost
“…established a telemedicine system....This innovative approach to mental health services has significantly reduced the cost of emergency medical services and psychotropic medications. Our latest pharmacy figures show a 34% reduction in the cost of psychotropic medicines after one year.”
- Chris Webb (Retired Superintendent, Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority)
"Implemented a mental health program to include access to a psychiatrist and QMHP, which in turn has helped manage the use and cost of psychotropic drugs and minimizes our liability related to mental health services"
- Sheriff L.J. Ayers (Amherst County Sheriff's Office)