The advent of new health technology will aid medical facilities and rural doctors in providing patients, women and their babies with the highest quality care through telemedicine technology. The Newborn Monitoring Initiative, considered the first of its kind in the U.S., has been spearheaded by Gunderson Lutheran Health System and the Gunderson Clinic in Decorah.

The system is being developed for accessibility to all healthcare providers in the region.

The initiative has received a financial boost through $95,000 in funding secured by Iowa Congressman Tom Latham and approved by the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday afternoon. Latham, a long-time supporter of the initiative, secured the funds through his work as a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.

"This system will grow to be an important tool for use by health care providers in rural communities to ensure the highest quality of care for both mother and child after delivery," Congressman Latham said.

The telemedicine system will allow local physicians to send real-time data from rural clinics to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center specialists to facilitate consultations, improve coordination of care, and give women and babies in rural regions access to specialists. Additionally, physicians can remotely monitor hospitalized patients while continuing to see clinic patients throughout the day.

The goal of the Newborn Monitoring Initiative is to enhance community-based care. The system allows patients to receive the best care possible in their own communities, eliminating travel expense.

The measure now awaits a successful vote in the U.S. Senate before it can be signed into law by President Obama.