When many of us think of technology, our cell phones, laptops, or iPods come to mind. Intensive care patients at Alegent Health Medical Centers might think of something else.

A high tech program called eFocus sounds like something out of a movie. Doctors and nurses can see, hear, and treat ICU patients without ever going to the hospital. They monitor patients via computers.

The system has been up and running since last summer. It's so high tech eFocus's medical director Doctor Bill Huerta says 90 to 95 percent of the time he can make decisions for the patient at his remote location.

eFocus is not meant to replace regular doctors and nurses. Doctor Huerta calls it complimentary care which provides an extra layer of security for patients who are critically ill. Experienced doctors and nurses can monitor vital signs, check a patient's history, even camera in and have a conversation with the patient, his family, and his doctors and nurses.

Linda Cuyler's mother has been in Alegent Lakeside's ICU for more than a month. Cuyler says eFocus gives her peace of mind.

I invite you to watch January's Health Check report Sunday at 5 p.m. to see for yourself how this technology works. If Doctor Huerta's right, we'll be seeing a lot more of it in the future.