The Ely Echo reports…

People across the Northland are waiting several months for their first therapy appointment.

Wilderness Health has worked with its member hospitals and software Adaptive Telehealth to cut wait times and meet the needs of patients.

Now, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital has access to a new resource, the Ambulatory Therapy and Diagnostic Assessment program, to support the Ely community.

The program has an easyto- use platform that allows people to select a trusted mental health provider who can provide telehealth visits in Minnesota. Adults and children are welcome.

Patients can view the in-network health plans, available times and special areas of interest for each provider.

Referral options are available for diagnostic assessments, short-term therapy, or long-term therapy. Shortterm therapy can fill the gap until patients are able to get into another local practice, get a learning plan in place at school, or address short term goals they may have.

As a virtual option, patients don’t have to travel to the hospital for therapy—all that is needed is an internet connection and a device.

The program has previously launched at other sites and is currently available at Duluth and Two Harbors locations. These include Aspirus St. Luke’s Clinics – Duluth: Pediatrics, Woodland, and 26 E. Superior Street; and Aspirus Lake View Two Harbors Clinic.

Now at Ely-Bloomenson, health care staff in the emergency room and rehab areas can connect patients with an option to get convenient telemental health support without long wait times.