LANCASTER, Texas (NewsNation) — Some hospital patients in Texas anticipate seeing a doctor in person but are being visited by doctors via 3D holograms instead.

Crescent Regional Hospital, located in Lancaster, has introduced its first “Holobox,” an 86″ tall device that projects a lifesize hologram of a doctor to perform real-time consults with patients, WFAA reported. The Holobox was designed by the Netherlands-based company Holoconnects.

Holograms to reduce patient wait times

Raji Kumar, the hospital’s CEO, told NewNation that this technology is far more engaging, interactive, and realistic than a Zoom or a telehealth call. By collaborating with Holoconnects, the hospital believes it’s pioneering the future of healthcare with this innovation.

“Now, you’re actually seeing the person as a whole. I’m able to see you as a whole. I can see you walk, and talk, I can make you do certain tests, which I’m not able to do with a smaller screen,” Kumar said.

While these holograms are currently used in Europe at hotel check-ins, the medical goal is to reduce patient wait times and minimize doctor travel for visits that don’t require hands-on action, such as consults or pre-and post-operative appointments. Instead of waiting two months for an appointment, patients might wait just days or hours.

What feedback are patients and doctors providing?

Kumar said about 10 doctors have trialed the device with about 15 patients. So far, she’s received positive feedback, though it’s still in the early stages.

There are plans to make mini holograms or mobile studios to bring to other clinics or more rural areas where the hospital and physician shortage is most acute. The mini Holobox displays are 24 inches tall, per WFAA.

The American Medical Association reports about 83 million Americans live in areas that don’t have good access to primary care. Meanwhile, the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that in 12 years, the county could face a shortage of up to 86,000 doctors.