Dr. Jacob Boucher of Memorial Family & Sports Medicine-Gateway, is pictured using the health system’s new telehealth services. Telehealth services are available as either a phone call with a provider or video visits with a provider using two-way video chat, if the patient has a device with a camera and microphone. (Photo submitted)
Editor’s note: the following information is provided from Memorial Health.
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Social distancing and quarantine measures have changed the way groceries are purchased and meetings and celebrations are held. Now, with telehealth services offered by Memorial Health, local residents can also continue to receive medical care right from their home.
Memorial is now offering HIPAA-compliant telehealth services to new and existing patients of Memorial Medical Group practices, as well as patients of Memorial Occupational Health. Patients can utilize electronic telehealth services or in-office services, depending on the care required by the patient, along with the recommendation of the provider.
“Our Memorial team is working every day to ensure the health and safety of all of our patients,” Spence Fisher, Executive Vice President for Memorial, said. “Having these easy-to-use, accessible telehealth services help us continue to provide care to our valued patients, while containing the community spread of COVID-19. All of our primary care and specialty care practices are open and can schedule in-office and telehealth visits to help meet the needs of you and your family.”
Patients are utilizing telehealth with their provider for a variety of non-emergency medical needs, according to Dr. Pamela Kapraly of Memorial Family Medicine-Richwood.
“Our practices are actively speaking with our patients for conditions ranging from cold and sore throat to hypertension, rashes/burns, gout, and behavioral health concerns,” Kapraly said. “We can also continue to provide three/six/nine month follow-up visits, medication management, and prescription refills with our telehealth capabilities.”
Telehealth services are available as either a phone call with a provider or video visits with a provider using two-way video chat (the patient will need a device with a camera and microphone). When patients call their provider’s office, the practice staff will discuss telehealth and in-office options with each patient, and provide next steps and directions for telehealth, if that is an appropriate option.
“Many of our patients were nervous about using telehealth for the first time,” Dr. Jacob Boucher of Memorial Family & Sports Medicine-Gateway. “After we conduct our initial visit, they can appreciate the process – they are quick to see it may be a new method, but it offers quality healthcare in the comfort of your home, with the same focus on the patient you have come to expect from Memorial.”
When asked how the patient can prepare for the telehealth visit, Boucher suggested “choosing an area of your home, without distractions and noise, where you can be comfortable. Prepare for the visit as you would for an in-office visit – gather your current information and medications, and have your questions ready for the provider. And, of course, your spouse and family are welcome to sit in the appointment, as well.”
Telehealth services may not work in every instance, due to limitations of a patient’s technology or the need to examine the patient in person. For those instances, and at the provider’s discretion, patients will continue to be seen in the office. Patients are encouraged to call their provider’s office for specific questions or information, including same day appointment needs.
New patients would need to call the practice of their choice to discuss their current medical condition and then receive recommendations for next steps.
For the latest updates on telehealth services from Memorial Health, those interested may visit memorialohio.com/telehealth.