Bradley Airport unveils virtual medical kiosk for travelers

Bradley International Airport has installed what officials say is the first virtual medical kiosk of its kind at a U.S. airport, offering travelers immediate access to healthcare services.

The "CareStation," located behind security in Terminal A, provides virtual visits with medical professionals through a partnership between Hartford HealthCare and OnMed, a telemedicine company.

"This is a tremendous innovation," said Jeff Flaks, CEO of Hartford HealthCare. "Bringing in an OnMed CareStation in the airport is an opportunity to help people who are traveling, coming or going."

The CareStation features diagnostic equipment that emerges from the ceiling and walls, allowing patients to self-administer basic medical tests while consulting with physicians on a 65-inch screen.

Patients can connect with either OnMed specialists or Hartford HealthCare clinicians during their virtual visits.

"You self-administer it and on a 65-inch screen you have a physician who is managing your entire visit," Flaks said.

Dr. Padmanabhan Premkumar, senior vice president at Hartford HealthCare, said the technology addresses increased demand for virtual healthcare services.

"Virtual healthcare after COVID has really come to the forefront in the United States," Premkumar said. "We have essentially brought technology, innovation and clinical medicine right to the airport."

The service is available to any traveler, not just Hartford HealthCare patients, officials said.

Two other CareStation kiosks currently operate in Connecticut — one in Hartford and another at a supermarket in Killingly. The airport location is expected to be the busiest of the three.

"This is care for all," Flaks said. "We know there is great need, and we can help people."

Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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