More e-visits keep patients and doctors safe during pandemic
HARRISBURG (WSIL) -- Social distancing and concerns over COVID-19 are prompting many hospitals to cancel elective procedures, but many patients still need to see their doctors.
Doctor Matt Winkleman has been on the front lines for SIH in the fight against the coronavirus.
He says in the last week they've made major strides in taking their effort to serve more patients online.
Telehealth has become a necessary alternative for patients and local health care providers.
"It's not going to work for every scenario. But for a lot of things it's great because it allows the patient to stay safe in their home, avoid getting out and exposing themselves, but allows us to connect with them, address their needs, monitor their chronic illness," Doctor Winkleman said.
He spoke to News 3 through a Webex video chat. The same service he used to talk with patients on Friday.
Winkleman says the federal government recently loosened restrictions on telemedicne--which makes getting vital care to patients more possible right now.
SIH is using Webex, Facetime, and Google Duo to keep tabs on patients with diabetes, COPD, and other conditions that require frequent contact.
"A lot of patients are appreciative. We're telling them don't come in--don't get out. We're trying to preach that message. So it's hard to say don't get out out of one side of our mouth and then out of the other side say come in and get your blood pressure checked," Winkleman said.
The online relationship may be necessary right now, but Winkleman says it is creating new kinds of relationships with patients.
"It's not the same as face to face, and there's going to be limitations. At the same time I'm seeing patients where they are. I learned the other day a patient of mine does paintings that I never knew because I saw her sitting in front of a painting she was working on in her house," he said.