AET’S TELEMEDICINE SOLUTION HELPS MADISON COUNTY JAIL REDUCE HEALTHCARE COSTS

OMAHA, NE, May 13, 2010 -- Telemedicine solution provider AET (American Educational Telecommunications; www.aetmedical.com) has implemented a turnkey telemedicine system for the county jail in Madison, NE. The system, the first of its kind to be utilized by a correctional facility in Nebraska, has not only resulted in significant cost savings, but has also mitigated safety issues to staff as medical transports of inmates have been greatly reduced.

Madison County, pop. 35,226, is located in northeastern Nebraska. County seat is Madison. The county jail opened in October 1995 and has a total bed space of 111 inmates – 91 for males, 20 for females.

According to Capt. Terry Howell, who supervises county jail operations, key components of the AET telemedicine system include a 32” television monitor, otoscope and three magnification scopes for throat, skin, eyes, and ears.

“We are primarily dealing with Norfolk Medical Group physicians but are consulting with other doctors to insure we receive the lowest possible rates,” Howell said. “We have treated skin and throat infections, and foot and toenail infections. We’ll be increasing this as other complaints come up. We’re also considering a dentist to have the first exam done within the jail.”

Howell added that the county is saving $750 on average when they don’t have to take an inmate to a local hospital for treatment.

“Medical transports present the biggest threat to staff,” Howell said. “We can complete a doctor visit without leaving the secure area of the facility – safety issues become non-existent. And in an era of reduced county budgets, we save substantially as we’re able to lower travel expenditures, which include escorting officers’ time, and operating costs of county vehicles. Correctional facilities statewide and around the country should look long and hard at the AET telemedicine solution – they may also be able to reduce staff costs!”

About AET, LLC

AET is a pioneer in the fields of telemedicine, broadcast medicine, and distance learning. Established in 1999, the company has offices in Norfolk and Omaha, NE. AET combines its professional services with today's technology tools to provide long-lasting, cost-effective healthcare solutions. AET offers patient consultations from and referral services to medical providers, and training for health care professionals via distance education. AET’s telemedicine applications/solutions have been implemented worldwide in rural hospitals, medical clinics and nursing homes. For more information, visit www.aetmedical.com.

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