On Monday, State of Franklin Healthcare Associates announced the implementation of “telehealth” appointments, allowing patients access to remote care via a computer, tablet or smartphone with video and audio capabilities.
CEO Rich Panek said this option will allow patients to visit providers “from the comfort and safety of their own home” as the pandemic continues to intensify, creating the need for social distancing.
For immunocompromised patients and those with other underlying health issues like chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, Panek said social distancing during the outbreak can be especially important.
“The situation is such that, depending on the risk level of the patient, it may be safer for the patient to have a telemedicine visit than it would be if they travel and come to the office directly,” he said, adding that the provider is “screening staff, patients and visitors” for signs of the illness before they enter their facilities.
“We’re quite comfortable with what we’re doing in following CDC and Tennessee Department of Health guidelines relative to the health, welfare and safety of staff, visitors and patients that are coming into the office,” he said. “But for those who choose for personal reasons that it’s better to do this remotely, it’s time we met their needs. We believe this does that.”
The Tennessee Department of Health reported 1,834 coronavirus infections Monday, up from 1,537 the day before. There were 12 cases in Greene County, four in Hawkins County, two in Johnson County, 11 in Sullivan County, one in Unicoi County, one in Carter County and 14 in Washington County.
Panek said the health care provider is staying vigilant about an “inevitable spread in the region” since test results have been slower than desired.
“There may be more than we’re aware of,” he said, adding that as of last week, there was “less than five” at State of Franklin Healthcare Associates.
State of Franklin joins other providers offering remote services during the pandemic. Ballad Health utilized telemedicine technology before the outbreak.
"Earlier this month, Ballad Health expanded our Virtual Health program, which will allow patients to access their provider without having the need to travel. We are utilizing a cloud-based application called VisuWell that will allow the opportunity for our patients to receive medical evaluations and care from their health care team virtually from the comfort of their own home,” Ballad spokesperson Meaghan Smith said. “These visits can be video or audio, allowing ‘Facetime-like’ interactions.”
East Tennessee State University also recently partnered with telemedicine company VisuWell to provide online access to ETSU Health’s health care team. Officials said the timing “is good for patients.”
“First and foremost, it gives patients choice and convenience,” said Dr. Timothy Canavan, a professor at ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine and chair of the Department of OB/GYN.
“However, given the present concerns for travel and being in large groups, it allows patients to keep in contact with their provider without increasing their risk of exposure to COVID-19.”
Some leaders in the mental health field are also doing what they can to meet the needs of patients remotely amid the outbreak. Summit Counseling Services recently encouraged local counselors to volunteer to provide reduced-rate remote counseling for COVID-19 essential employees coping with the stress of the pandemic.
Summit owner and counselor Ben Taylor said the new initiative seeks to offer up to three online counseling sessions for $0-$30 per session. People in need of sessions can request appointments through their website, and Summit will match them with a therapist matching their preferences.
Taylor said he wanted to help “frontline medical providers” and others working to deal with the emotional and physical stress of the pandemic after noticing similar programs elsewhere.
He said they’ve “already connected a number of community members to therapists in a matter of days.”
“I would say it’s become necessary,” he said, adding that remote sessions are useful in helping prevent the spread of the virus. “In our group, we made the switch quick and had to.”
For more local, state and national updates on COVID-19, visit www.cdc.gov or www.tn.gov/health.
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Remote care becomes vital during COVID-19 pandemic - Johnson City Press (subscription)
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