Q: Can you explain what a virtual visit is like and what types of things patients can receive treatment for virtually?
A: A virtual visit is a way to connect with providers through video, these are usually completed on a smartphone but they can also be done using an iPad or desktop computer with a camera and speakers. These visits can be done for most health issues that do not require a physical exam. When we talk about virtual health, this includes video visits and e-visits. Video visits occur in real-time and e-visits are done asynchronously. Currently at St. Elizabeth, providers may give you the option to initiate an e-visit if we feel this may be a right option for you. Patients can submit advice requests and in some situations the provider may give you the option to evaluate and treat you by e-visit instead of having you come into the office or completing a video visit.
Video visits are the most common way we provide care virtually. They are great for treating things like mental health concerns or follow up to minor conditions where we don’t need to do a physical exam. Most insurance companies pay for these just as if you were seen in the office. We can recommend treatment options and counseling by seeing you virtually. With things like Covid or the flu, we do not want you out in the public exposing other people to illness, especially people with chronic lung disease or immunosuppressed from chemotherapy that may be in the waiting areas in our offices.
Virtual appointments are also great for chronic care visits like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Q: Why is it important for St. Elizabeth to offer virtual health appointments?
A: We’re trying to make care as convenient as possible for you. We are striving to improve the health of the population we serve. We recognize that some patients have transportation issues while other patients may have work or child care commitments. Now we can offer an option that allows you to stay at home or avoid taking time off work.
These appointments are quick, easy, and important because they give better access to patients…which leads to better care. This is a win all the way around – a win for St. Elizabeth, our patients and our community. We are happy to offer another alternative access point for care.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about virtual appointments?
A: The biggest misconception is that these virtual appointments are difficult to do – they really are not. If you can use a smartphone, you can do these. There is also a misconception that these appointments are only being done by “tech savvy” patients but more appointments are completed by the older population than the younger population. They’re easy to do and insurance companies pay for these types of appointments.
Q: What is required for a patient to be seen virtually? Is there an additional program to download?
A: The patients will connect through myChart, a patient portal. This is our preferred way to connect. If a patient hasn’t completed an appointment through myChart, our staff is equipped to use an app called Doximity which sends a link with a text message where the patient can tap the link and open a window in their browser to complete their appointment. Virtually nothing is required on the patient’s side. We prefer using the my chart app but if someone doesn’t know how to download this, the text message and link through Doximity works as well.
Q: What would you say to someone who has not tried a virtual visit before?
A: My advice for someone who hasn’t tried it, they should. They will instantly realize how easy it is. There was a hesitation with Amazon when it was first created – when we went to buy from Amazon, shipped in the mail, people wondered if they would get exactly what they wordered. This is the same sort of experience. By trying new tech, they’ll find it’s very easy to use and navigate. If a patient can’t figure it out, we have staff who will gladly work through the process with them.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add about Virtual Health?
A: I would say that St. Elizabeth has been a leader from the onset with virtual visits. We had this set up way before Covid and when Covid arrived, it lit this process on fire. The good thing is that the state needed to develop this process during the pandemic so insurance companies jumped in and supported this. It’s been a huge success and a game changer in health care.
St. Elizabeth also has a nurse triage program where patients can get in touch with a nurse 24/7. We offer video visits on-demand. We connect patients with nurse practitioners after-hours, right at that time. This is a great thing for the health care system and patients. If patients do have a need in the evening or over the weekend, we can provide that virtual service to them. We don’t always get sick during business hours and that is why virtual appointments in our nurse triage program exist.
