To make medical providers readily available in our communities, Nuvance Health launched Virtual Visits for primary and specialty care, advancing access to healthcare for patients during a critical time of need.
“We are leveraging the power of the digital age to expand our capabilities to connect patients with our physicians as one more thing we can do to offer them continuous safe care,” said Dr. Christopher Lehrach, president of Nuvance Health’s medical practices.
Available today, patients of Western Connecticut Medical Group, Health Quest Medical Practice and The Heart Center can talk to their providers using a mobile app or online through their computer.
Patients initially call their doctor’s office to determine if a Virtual Visit is appropriate. There are some types of appointments that require in-person assessments, such annual physicals, gynecological exams and some pediatric visits. Concerns about novel coronavirus (COVID-19), colds, sore throats, respiratory symptoms and allergies, as well as post-operative follow-ups and second opinions are ideal for a Virtual Visit.
“If people are experiencing cough, fever or respiratory problems that are not a medical emergency, telemedicine is an ideal way to assess their health and provide guidance on testing and treatment,” said Dr. Lehrach.
These appointments essentially replicate an office visit, allowing patients to speak with and see their provider in real time to receive a diagnosis, treatment plan and prescriptions, as needed.
The visits are covered by most major insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid.
There are many benefits to this technology:
- Eliminates the hassle of transportation.
- More convenience.
- Less exposure to other people who may be contagious.
About Nuvance Health
Nuvance Health is a family of award-winning nonprofit hospitals and healthcare professionals in the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut. Nuvance Health combines highly skilled physicians, state-of-the-art facilities and technology, and compassionate caregivers dedicated to providing quality care across a variety of clinical areas, including Cardiovascular, Neurosciences, Oncology, Orthopedics, and Primary Care.
Nuvance Health has a network of convenient hospital and outpatient locations — Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Norwalk Hospital and Sharon Hospital in Connecticut, and Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital Center and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York — plus multiple primary and specialty care physician practice locations, including The Heart Center, a leading provider of cardiology care, and two urgent care offices. Non-acute care is offered through various affiliates, including the Thompson House for rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, and the Home Care organizations. For more information about Nuvance Health, visit our website.