What are Virtual or Telehealth Visits?

Innovation is often born out of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic provided the opportunity for MercyOne's connected system of hospitals and clinics to set the standard for personalized and radically convenient health care for our communities by offering virtual doctor and provider visits.

In March, MercyOne accelerated the availability of telehealth or virtual visits, allowing patients to meet with their local MercyOne provider through video chat without ever leaving the comfort and security of their home. Months later, and even after patients have returned to in-person clinic visits, almost half of family medicine, pediatrics and specialty care doctors continue to use telehealth to connect with patients.

Dr. Mark Schultz, Medical Director Primary Care Network Development, says, "COVID has changed a lot of things, and that helped give birth to telehealth. It was just as idea at first, but now the rapid implementation of virtual visits may be the defining moment of being part of MercyOne in my book."

Telehealth are completed with the local MercyOne health care provider each patient already knows and trusts, allowing the patient to continue routine check-ups, refill medications as usual, coordinate additional treatment options, and assess whether further care is needed. An in-person follow-up visit can be determined for specialty care, or if other assessments are needed. Additionally, some locations now offer patients to self-schedule Urgent Care telehealth visits, allowing them to log-on from home at any time of day or night to select an appointment time that works best for them.

"At the height of the COVID surge in my community, we were doing about 99% of our clinic visits through care," commented Dr. Schultz, who is also a family practice physician for MercyOne Storm Lake Family Medicine.

Patients requesting a telehealth visit must meet the following criteria before a virtual visit can proceed:

• A valid/usable email address, as the patient will receive an email invite for their appointment.
• A working tablet or smart phone with a camera and speaker.

There is no co-pay for patients and telehealth visits are covered by insurance, Medicare and Medicaid during the COVID-19 crisis. Individuals can learn more about conducting their next appointment virtually by visiting MercyOne.org/virtualvisits or by calling their primary care office.

Safe care is our priority, and MercyOne hospitals and clinics have many safety precautions are in place for in-person care, including:

• Everyone who enters the facility – colleagues, patients, and visitors – is screened at the entrance for respiratory symptoms and has their temperature checked.
• All are required to wear a mask at all times in the facility, and many MercyOne clinical team members are wearing eye protection or face shields.
• Social distancing and hand hygiene have also been increased to promote safe care.
• In addition, anyone confirmed positive for, or suspected of having, COVID-19 are separated from non-COVID-19 patients.

Chances are your MercyOne provider offers telehealth visits, and scheduling your appointment, whether in-person or through your smart phone, tablet or computer, is easier than ever. Visit MercyOne.org to connect with a MercyOne location most convenient for you.