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Wheeling Hospital beginning TeleHealth for patient/doctor visits

WHEELING, WV — To ensure that patients receive quality time with their physicians during the COVID-19 crisis, Wheeling Hospital’s Physician Practice Division members have turned to telehealth.

Telehealth allows patients to have visits and consults with their doctors via computer. This is especially beneficial when stay-at-home restrictions are in place or patients reside in very rural areas.

In addition, the system provides a way for office “visits” to continue when the office itself has been consolidated or closed. Recently, Wheeling Hospital suspended visits to several of its smaller health centers because of COVID-19. Telehealth allows those physicians to maintain contact with their patients, thus ensuring a continuum of care.

“Physicians using telehealth also can determine whether a patient should come to the hospital or manage their health conditions at home,” said David Lucey, senior administrator-PPD.

For practices using telehealth, a link is sent to the patient, allowing them to download the Webex app after the appointment is scheduled.

The real time visit can be done via SmartPhone, Tablet or computer with voice and video capability.

An added benefit to the new service is that co-pays and deductibles for telehealth visits are being waived until May 15.

Most of Wheeling Hospital’s PPD doctors have signed up for telehealth and already had the necessary training. Patients interested in taking advantage of the service are encouraged to call their physician’s office for details.

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