Paramus-based Bergen New Bridge Medical Center announced on Thursday it launched a telehealth service line.

According to the medical center, it is the first telemedicine transitional care platform in the United States with Telemedicine911 patient safety.

The initial program is in partnership with Air Visits, a Little Falls-based telemedicine practice, medical device manufacturer, and software development company.

The project is one of several vital expansion and community program endeavors, sparked by information from the community health needs assessment, that will be funded by The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Foundation.

“We have prioritized offering high-quality health care services in a convenient format to all patients regardless of their insurance provider,” said Bergen New Bridge president and Chief Executive Officer Deborah Visconi. “TeleHealth is the next evolution of that commitment which will help reduce health care disparities and improve access to care while reducing unnecessary hospital visits.”

This state-of-the-art program, according to the medical center, will utilize the traditional U.S. 911 system; however, the new system allows a doctor, who is remote to the patient, the ability to activate and coordinate the 911 dispatcher and associated emergency services where the patient is located.

“For inpatient discharges this could mean the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Alexander Chiu, medical director, Bergen New Bridge Cares. “Bergen New Bridge treats a significant number of patients with behavioral health conditions, as well as, high-risk medical conditions. Platforms with Telemedicine911 are needed to provide safe and effective care because the risk of an emergency is high,” said Chiu.

The Bergen New Bridge Cares program with Telemedicine911 will be able to treat more serious conditions such as congestive heart failure, behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment, mental health crises with suicidal ideation and other conditions.

Patients who are concerned that they are having an emergency are still encouraged to call 911 before contacting the Cares program. However, Bergen New Bridge Cares doctors can help to diagnose the emergency and coordinate 911 to facilities appropriate for their condition.