Some Ascension ICUs Have No In-Person Critical Care Physicians

Ascension Wisconsin’s smaller ICUs in Milwaukee, including locations in Mequon, Brookfield, and Franklin, now rely solely on telemedicine for critical care physicians as of May 1, raising concerns among staff about emergency response and specialized care. The hospital system claims protocols ensure 24/7 clinician availability, but experts warn tele-ICUs require rigorous staff training and clear procedures to function effectively." "article": "Ascension Wisconsin has shifted some smaller intensive care units (ICUs) in Milwaukee to remote critical care physician oversight via telemedicine, effective May 1. The affected hospitals include locations in Mequon, Brookfield, and Franklin, though Ascension has not publicly confirmed the full list. While on-site hospitalists remain, these doctors lack critical care specialization, potentially delaying time-sensitive interventions. Staff at the affected ICUs have expressed concerns about communication gaps and emergency response capabilities under the new model. The hospital system insists protocols ensure 24/7 access to clinicians, including hospitalists, emergency physicians, critical care nurses, and advanced practice providers, but critics argue tele-ICUs demand highly trained local staff and standardized procedures to function safely. Dr. Ellie Golestanian, an associate professor at the UW School of Medicine, explains that tele-ICUs use specialized software to monitor real-time patient data, including vitals, lab results, and ventilator settings. Up to 20% of ICU beds nationwide now incorporate telehealth, partly due to a national shortage of intensivists. However, Golestanian emphasizes that successful tele-ICU implementation requires clear partnerships, defined protocols, and well-trained local teams. This shift follows Ascension’s 2025 announcement to outsource ICU staffing to a private equity firm, which faced backlash. The system’s decision to expand telemedicine in critical care reflects broader trends in rural and underserved hospitals, where physician shortages necessitate remote solutions. Yet concerns persist about whether telemedicine can fully replace in-person intensivists in high-stakes emergency situations.