Atrium Health Navicent issued the following announcement on Aug. 30.
With the local rise of COVID-19 cases and subsequent increase in hospital emergency room patient volumes, Atrium Health Navicent encourages patients to consider virtual, primary and urgent care options for non-emergency care. In the event of an emergency, patients should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
In addition to primary care services provided by the Atrium Health Navicent Medical Group’s physicians’ offices located across central and South Georgia, Virtual Visits are available for health conditions typically treated through primary and urgent care, such as allergies, bronchitis, sinus infections, strep throat, pink eye, hypertension, gout, rashes and stomach discomfort.
First launched by Atrium Health Navicent last spring, the platform allows patients to connect to board-certified doctors using their phone, tablet or computer.
Local providers from the Atrium Health Navicent Medical Group, including primary care providers and pediatricians, consult with patients using the platform between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, ensuring patients have access to their trusted local doctors during regular business hours.
Since its launch in 2020, patients have competed more than 4,500 Virtual Visits.
The Virtual Visits platform is designed as an on-demand service, with no need to make an appointment. Patients can access Virtual Visit by visiting myatriumhealth.org or using the MyAtriumHealth app available through the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Virtual Visit should not be used for life-threatening conditions. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
“Virtual Visits offers an alternative to traditional, in-person visits to a physician’s office, allowing patients to consult with a doctor, receive a real-time assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan,” said Dr. Dean Kindler, Senior Vice President for Operations and Physician-in-Chief for Atrium Health Navicent Medical Group. “This service offers quality care from the convenience of home, something many health consumers have found helpful during the pandemic.”
Many specialty physicians’ offices also offer virtual visits. For more information, patients are encouraged to ask their physician’s office directly.
Children seeking treatment for ear infection, shortness of breath, strep throat, urinary tract infection and wheezing must still see a provider at an in-person office visit.
“The increased virtual care options available to patients in central and South Georgia – virtual visits, virtual behavioral health, virtual hospital and virtual pediatric infectious disease consultations – are direct benefits and examples of the added value afforded by our strategic combination with Atrium Health,” said Dr. Sanford Duke, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer for Atrium Health Navicent. “Virtual care options expand our expertise, offering immeasurable benefits for our patients and the communities we serve.”
Atrium Health Navicent also offers care at three urgent care locations:
· Atrium Health Navicent Urgent Care East, 1339 Gray Highway, Macon
· Atrium Health Navicent Urgent Care North, 3400 Riverside Drive, Macon
· Atrium Health Navicent Urgent Care Northwest, 5925 Zebulon Road, Macon
For assistance in choosing a primary physician, visit navicenthealth.org and select “Find a Doctor.”
Original source can be found here.
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