TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Local hospital district Central Health announced Tuesday it would begin providing Travis County Jail inmates with virtual heath visits, a move it said would help the county’s jail population access medical care while saving taxpayer funding.
In its release, Central Health said that the visits reduce reliance on transportation of inmates to medical facilities.
“Everyone in our community deserves access to quality health care,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown in the release. “This new virtual care program is a smart, compassionate solution that improves patient outcomes while saving taxpayer dollars. It reflects the kind of innovation and collaboration we need to build a healthier and more equitable Travis County.”
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While the jail has on-location medical staff, it often lacks specialty care, Central Health said. If an inmate requires specialized services, jail staff will send a request to Central Health staff, who will determine if the medical condition requires an in-person or virtual visit…