A method and system for monitoring remotely located patients that includes real-time video of the remotely located patients. The method and system may be implemented as part of a central nursing station, a remote ICU, or a remote patient monitor. The method and system may also allow for real-time audio communication with the remotely located patients. The real-time video and real-time audio may permit improved response to alarms by allowing medical practitioners to reduce the rate of false-positive and false-negative alarms. Further, the real-time video and real-time audio may be used to generate additional alarm criteria. A camera for generating the real-time video may be part of a patient monitor or may be a separate system. Settings for the camera may be controlled from remotely.
