Patients should be able to have more virtual office visits with doctors, thanks to a grant slated to go to Hughson's telemedicine program.

Telemedicine allows patients to use computers, phone lines, cameras and microphones to consult with doctors who might not be available locally.

Blue Cross of California next year will award $62,645 to the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency's Hughson clinic. Money will pay for medical equipment and a full-time nurse to handle an increasing number of patients meeting with doctors via telemedicine.

The award is part of $4 million in grant money to help improve access to health care for children in rural areas. Grants, announced last month, will be awarded over the next two years.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.