Porto Alegre launches telemedicine services via SUS

The city of Porto Alegre has launched its first official medical consultations via telemedicine through the Gercon platform within the Unified Health System (SUS). The initiative aims to decentralize access to specialists and optimize patient flow in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul.

In its initial phase, the service focuses on dermatology, neurology, and nutrition. The system offers two main modalities: teleconsultations, where a professional connects directly with a patient, and teleinterconsultations, which involve a patient, a local health unit professional, and a specialist to support primary care teams.

Managed by Procempa and integrated with the Municipal Health Secretariat (SMS), the service uses the Gercon system to organize queues based on clinical risk and gravity rather than simple arrival order. While the pilot included a bedridden patient, the service is available to any user with internet access. The municipality plans to gradually expand the program to include more specialties and integrate it into Primary Health Care (APS).