Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities across the nation have transitioned into offering telehealth services for patients — and St. George Medical Clinic is just one of the many. To keep patients, staff, and the community healthy during the current situation, SGMC began seeing patients via video chat or phone call depending on the patient’s concern. These telemedicine services have been a safe and practical way for healthcare providers to keep that doctor-patient relationship while practicing social distancing.

However, some may be hesitant to opt for telehealth services and not see the benefits for both parties — the patient and provider. Keep reading to familiarize yourself with telemedicine and how the services may be beneficial to you.

First of all — what is telemedicine?
To prevent any further spread of COVID-19, telehealth allows patients to virtually connect with healthcare providers either through video chat or phone call. These connections are secure, and like in-person visits, the appointments are left confidential between the doctor and patient.

What health concerns can a healthcare provider examine?
Services available via telehealth include:

• chronic condition management (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)
• symptoms of illness (such as cough, fever, earaches, headaches)
• counseling and behavioral health
• family planning needs
• medication refills

However, while many of your healthcare needs can be taken care of 100% via telehealth, your provider may schedule you for an in-person follow-up or lab work.

Who can utilize the telehealth services at SGMC?
Telehealth visits are available for patients with or without insurance. And for patients without insurance, all telehealth visits are eligible for our sliding fee scale.

And for the first time ever, new patients can take advantage of telemedicine services at St. George!

What are some other benefits of using telehealth services?

• Because the services are now available to anyone, parents won’t have to take a full-day off to take their child to the doctor’s office. With a parent/guardian’s permission, your child can connect with a provider virtually to determine the problem. This is beneficial for the parent and helps diminish the days a child is absent from school.
• You save time and money on traveling to the doctor’s office.
• Telemedicine can help in decreasing the spread of COVID-19. The CDC is still recommending that folks limit person-to-person contact and social distance. These services allow patients to be seen by their provider without leaving the comfort of their home. This helps in protecting yourself, other patients, community members, and health staff.

There are a range of reasons why telehealth services could be the right choice for your medical concern. It’s best to speak with a staff member to determine if telehealth is the right fit.

Both the Main Clinic (304-478-3339) and School-Based Clinics (304-478-6000) are conducting telemedicine appointments. Call to set-up your appointment today!