#USA #Huntsville #Zeto #Huntsville Memorial Hospital #EEG Program

Huntsville Memorial Hospital Launches Onsite EEG Program

Huntsville Memorial Hospital (HMH) in Huntsville, Texas, has taken a significant step forward in providing quality healthcare by introducing a new onsite EEG (electroencephalogram) program powered by Zeto, Inc. This innovative initiative addresses a long-standing issue in the local healthcare landscape—excessive patient transfers for neurological diagnostics.

Context of the Program

Prior to this initiative, patients requiring EEG tests often faced transfers to larger facilities located over 30 miles away, such as those in Conroe, The Woodlands, or Houston. With HMH being the sole hospital in a 30-mile radius, the need for local neurological testing became imperative. HMH leadership conducted a comprehensive analysis of transfer data over a two-year period, revealing that a significant number of patients were being transferred for neuro-related issues, particularly those needing EEG examinations. This prompted the formation of a task force led by Joe Schorre, Director of Cardiopulmonary and Emergency Management, to address this challenge.

The Implementation of EEG Services

Launched in December 2024, the onsite EEG program has since enabled HMH to admit more than 40 patients who would have otherwise been transferred to distant facilities. The EEG procedure is essential in measuring brain electrical activity and is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as seizures and strokes. Recognizing the community’s need for immediate access to neurological diagnostics, HMH explored options to keep patients’ treatment local. This exploration led to the integration of Zeto’s EEG solution, which allows for quick setup by non-specialized staff—specifically respiratory therapists—in under five minutes. The simplicity of this rapid EEG solution has made it easier for medical staff to adopt, ensuring a smooth integration with remote neurologists for patient data interpretation.

Patrick Shannon, CEO of HMH, highlights the significance of having these services available locally: “Providing high-quality services closer to home is a major advancement for us and for Walker County residents. It means that families can avoid travel stress, miss less work, and stay closer to loved ones during treatment.”

Enhanced Patient Experience

The program has not only improved patient admission rates but has also facilitated the establishment of an outpatient EEG service. This allows local primary care providers to refer patients for pre-neurology diagnostic evaluations. As Joe Schorre emphasizes, having EEG and MRI tests conducted locally speeds up the process: “Patients get their EEGs and MRIs done here, so by the time they see a neurologist, they have their data ready. This quick turnaround significantly shortens wait times and accelerates access to necessary care.”

Future Plans for HMH

Looking forward, HMH has plans to amplify its services further to include continuous EEG monitoring alongside outpatient teleneurology options. Schorre articulates the hospital’s commitment to its community: “While we may not have local neurologists available, we have dedicated and skilled staff along with the advanced tools necessary to provide high-quality care.”

About Huntsville Memorial Hospital

Huntsville Memorial Hospital is a 123-bed, non-profit acute care community hospital that serves Walker County and surrounding areas, providing essential healthcare services to a population of over 82,000. Accredited by CIHQ and designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the American Heart Association, HMH prioritizes community health and wellness by adopting the latest technologies and treatment solutions. More information is available at www.huntsvillememorial.com.