Improved medical access is just one way that rural communities will benefit because of the broadband bill that Inslee signed during this year’s session. Inslee visited Skagit County and San Juan County Tuesday to explore how increased broadband access could positively impact a community’s health care, economy, education and public safety interests.

The day-long broadband tour highlighted how rural communities across the state will benefit from the governor’s broadband bill. Inslee signed it into law earlier this month after the bill unanimously passed the Senate and left the House with one ‘no’ vote. Sens. Lisa Wellman and Tim Sheldon sponsored the 2019 bipartisan broadband bill, while Reps. Zack Hudgins and Mary Dye sponsored the companion bill.

Telemedicine through strong broadband access could change the world of medicine for rural communities across Washington: Instead of a patient taking a two-hour, round-trip ferry ride to the mainland in the middle of a work day, they could make a telemedicine appointment and talk to their doctor over a live screen.

Merry-Ann Keane, the hospital’s chief administrative officer, said the clinic sees about 20 patients a month just in their telepsychiatry program.

“Those things that take our island residents literally a full day or two to get access to care can be taken care of here with a brief telemedicine appointment,” Keane said.

While telemedicine use is still emerging, medical professionals have found the practice useful for patients who need behavioral health counseling, addiction therapy, cardiology, basic follow-up visits, help after a stroke or for parents who need to contact their pediatrician.