Patients needing to reach primary care physicians and specialists within Blanchard Valley Health System may do so now through “telehealth,” according to Natalie Phoenix, director of emergency services at BVHS.

Telehealth via Zoom enables the doctor and patient to communicate directly to one another without making a physical visit to the office.

She said that BVHS has used the telehealth services for about three weeks. Since that time the health system has experienced nearly 3,000 telehealth doctor-patient visits.

Telehealth limiting foot traffic to a physician’s office enabling patients to remain at home while talking with the physician.

How is works:

A patient calls the physician’s office for an appointment. The physician’s staff determines if a telehealth call is the best option for the patient.

If so, the staff will ask the patient if telehealth is agreeable.

If it is agreeable, the patient will provide a working e-mail address to the physician’s office.

The office staff will email a link to the patient. The link will provide a date and time for an appointment using Zoom.

At the appointed date and time, the patient will connect to Zoom and will be in direct visual and voice contact with the physician for the official office visit.

This options works with computers, small phones and tablets.

If needed, the physician’s office will provide assistance for patients needing help setting up Zoom. In some situations a test call will take place to assure the Zoom works properly.

Phoenix said that telehealth does not apply to:
•  patients needing to visit the hospital emergency room
•  or urgent care Physicians Plus 

Persons need either of those services, should go directly to the ER or call the urgent call.