ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --

Stroke specialists are using a Web camera so they can virtually be at a rural hospital within minutes.

"It's actually a two-way audio and video connection between us the specialist to remote facilities," Dr. Chris Finale explained.

Through the new emergency telemedicine program called CO-DOC or Colorado Digital Online Consultant, hospitals across Colorado can have access to a stroke specialist any time.

"We can immediately start evaluation and diagnoses of stroke, looking at cat scans, getting history," Finale said.

On the North Suburban hospital's end, Garland Johnson said he felt as if Finale was actually there.

Karina Lahue from North Suburban Hospital said, "When you can get immediate access to neurologist who specializes, I think it can only add to the patient's treatment and quality of care."

Garland feels like the technology made a difference.

Right now Colorado Neurological Institute and Swedish Medical Center are working with nine rural hospitals on telemedicine.

The CO-DOC program is funded by grants including money from Colorado's tobacco taxes.

Additional Resources:
• For more information on the CO-DOC program, go to Colorado Neurological Institute.
• Or you can get more information at Swedish Hospital by clicking here