BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is pleased to introduce ARH Virtual Care, a new and exciting way for patients to conveniently access care from the comfort of their homes.
Virtual Visits, a service that is part of ARH Virtual Care, eliminates the need for an in-person clinic visit along with any risk of exposure to bacteria, viruses, and allergens. Virtual Visits allow both providers and patients to maintain social distancing which is critically important during the current COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, patients have fewer hassles such as parking, child care coordination and time away from work.
Virtual Visits are just like traditional clinic appointments, but instead of seeing a provider in person, patients see their provider from anywhere they may be via computer, smartphone or tablet. During the visit, the physician and patient can see each other and talk in real-time. If medication or medical equipment is needed, a prescription can be sent to a local pharmacy or medical equipment store.
ARH has taken the stress out of connecting to a Virtual Visit by providing technical support, connection and device testing, and general access assistance through the ARH Virtual Care Helpline. Insurance will be billed in the same manner as traditional visits, and copays and deductibles will apply in the same way as well. Appointments can be scheduled by calling any one of the 70+ ARH clinics during normal business hours.
“We are excited to be able to use modern technology to maintain human connections and have a positive impact on the health and well-being of our patients,” says Surgeon Dr. James Shoptaw, ARH Cardiovascular & Thoracic Associates. “By using readily accessible technology that offers so much convenience and ease of use, the ARH team is demonstrating how much we value making the patient experience our number one priority. We will do whatever it takes to positively impact those whose care God has entrusted us with.”
