TEXAS, July 1: In a scene that seems straight out of science fiction, patients at Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster, Texas, can now consult with their doctors as holograms. This groundbreaking service, introduced in May, is the result of a partnership with Holoconnects, a digital technology firm based in the Netherlands.

The hospital's new telehealth system employs Holoconnects' Holobox — a 440-pound, 7-foot-tall device that projects a highly realistic, 3D live video of a doctor. Each Holobox costs $42,000, with an additional annual service fee of $1,900. This advanced technology creates an immersive experience, giving patients the impression that their doctor is physically present, despite being miles away.

The system facilitates real-time telehealth visits that mimic in-person consultations, primarily used for preoperative and postoperative appointments. Crescent Regional plans to expand this service to traditional medical appointments, believing it enhances the patient experience significantly.

"The physicians are able to have a much different impact on the patient," said Raji Kumar, managing partner and CEO of Crescent Regional. "The patients feel like the physician is right there."

Despite the innovative nature of the hologram visits, some experts question whether they offer substantial improvements over existing 2D telehealth options like Zoom or FaceTime. Dr. Eric Bressman, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that technological advancements in medicine are typically evaluated based on their ability to improve access, reduce costs, or enhance the quality of care. "I don’t know of any data to support the idea that this would improve the quality of the visit beyond a usual telemedicine visit," Bressman said.

Kumar highlighted that the Holobox’s large screen and sophisticated camera allow doctors to observe a patient's full body, useful for assessing characteristics such as gait or range of motion. This feature could be particularly beneficial in physical therapy settings, according to Dr. Chad Ellimoottil, medical director of virtual care for the University of Michigan Health System.

Steve Sterling, managing director of the North American division of Holoconnects, emphasized the less tangible benefits of the hologram system, such as enhanced engagement between doctors and patients. "We’re not going to affect patient outcomes," Sterling said. "But what we are already impacting upon is a sense of engagement between doctors and patients."

Crescent Regional is the first hospital to implement the Holobox, although the technology is more commonly used in hospitality services. Currently, twelve hotels use the Holobox, with plans to install it in eighteen more locations.

Ellimoottil pointed out that while telehealth allows patients to consult with doctors from home, using the Holobox still requires travel to an office. Additionally, the high cost of $42,000 plus a $1,900 annual fee poses a challenge for widespread adoption. Kumar, however, remains focused on patient quality and engagement rather than revenue generation. "It’s more about patient quality, engagement, and delivering a better service to the patient. Giving them more comfort," she said.