Sanford Health bridges distances with AI, telemedicine

In an American Hospital Association podcast, Sanford Health, the nation’s largest rural health system, discusses how it leverages virtual care models and artificial intelligence to break down barriers, improve patient outcomes and enhance provider efficiency. The Sioux Falls, S.D.-based system uses telemedicine instead of in-office appointments for rural residents who previously traveled up to 400 miles for a 15-minute in-person appointment. Sanford uses virtual care to treat children with infectious diseases at nearby hospitals, instead of transferring them to Fargo, N.D. or Sioux Falls to receive higher levels of care. In addition, Sanford uses an AI algorithm to help patients regulate their insulin for Type I diabetes, reducing the need for in-office appointments and constant monitoring. Providers use ambient listening technology to write their notes.