First State doctors are trying to make the most of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The need for social distancing has medical providers like the Beebe Medical Group leaning heavily on telemedicine.
Beebe Vice President Stephen Keiser said during the first week of April alone, the Southern Delaware healthcare provider conducted more than 1,000 telehealth visits.
“We’ve been just so impressed with our providers and our physicians and our advanced practice providers as how they’ve adapted and made these really successful visits,” Keiser said. “In general, we’re not seeing a limitation based off the technology. The discretion to bring the patient into the office have been the clinical indicators.”
Beebe Medical Group was already looking at developing a telehealth system in February and launched it ahead of schedule when the pandemic demanded social distancing become a priority. Beebe President David Tam said they’ve made it work for patients during a difficult time.
“It’s a challenge sometimes to think about how to shift from an in-person kind of visit to a telehealth visit,” Tam said. “And, this is one where I’ve been truly amazed by the openness and the skill of our providers to do this work.”
Over a thousand patients used the system during the first week of April alone. Patients must have a computer or smart device with a camera to access the program. They can schedule appointments online through the system. Other options will be offered to those without online access. Patients are encouraged to visit Beebe's website for ore information.