Essentia Health finds new ways to deliver health care

By Jennifer McLaughlin

In the course of a few weeks, “normal” took a sharp turn as communities, businesses and organizations adapted to finding innovative ways of doing things when faced with COVID-19. The sudden new reality caused everyone to navigate through social distancing and business closures for the health and safety of our communities.

From delivering care virtually to drive-up testing, health care took on a new look in the face of the pandemic.

Virtual Health Care

Essentia Health expanded health care into people’s homes with virtual video visits. Virtual visits are a telephone or video appointment directly between a provider and patient similar to an in-person visit. The difference is patients are in the comfort of their homes using audio and video through their own computer, tablet or smartphone.

Plans for an April launch were already in place at Essentia for this service when COVID-19 fast-tracked it. Essentia’s first virtual video visit was conducted on March 16, and since then has exploded with an average of about 3,000 visits occurring each weekday.

“By adopting this technology, Essentia Health has been able to provide safe and quality patient care in a new and creative way,” said Dr. Sarah Manney, chief medical information officer at Essentia. “We are continuing to care for our patients throughout this crisis.”

Virtual video visits are available in primary and pediatric care, and nearly all specialty areas. Appointments are open to both new and existing patients.

Therapy is virtually serving patients of all ages and patient reaction has been positive. Therapists at Essentia have the ability to demonstrate exercises and provide direction through video interaction. Patients appreciate the opportunity to continue therapy sessions from the comfort of their own homes.

Family members have also been more likely to attend these virtual appointments, allowing providers to keep them actively engaged in the treatment, as well. Many patients find an unexpected benefit in the amount of time saved in travel or possible wait times.

Blaire Ziebol, a 23-year-old Superior resident, appreciates the convenience of virtual visits. Ziebol suffered a concussion about five months ago and had been seeing nurse practitioner Kelly Kleinschmidt.

And while the way her care is delivered changed in the midst of the pandemic, the high-quality level of care has

COVID-19 screening and drive-up testing

If you have concerns or symptoms related to COVID-19, Essentia Health is providing E-Visits at no cost* for evaluation. To learn more, or to start an E-Visit, go to EssentiaHealth.org/COVID-19.

After the visit, patients determined to need a test will be directed to one of Essentia’s drive-up testing sites.

*Testing ordered as a result of screening may incur a charge.

remained the same. Ziebol’s past three visits have been conducted virtually and include the same elements of the inperson visits she previously had. Visits last around 15 minutes, time is spent going over symptoms and other concerns, and then Ziebol does balance exercises so Kleinschmidt can further assess her progress.

“It’s really quick and easy, and I don’t have to worry about coming in and being exposed to others who might be sick,” Ziebol said. “It gives me peace of mind. I really appreciate being able to do them from home.”

With patient safety and comfort in mind, Essentia Health put new models in place for virtual video visits that may require in-person follow-up. Clinic locations have been designated for patients to receive immunizations, labs or other necessary treatments post-virtual visit to ensure the highest level of care.

“Given our current crisis, we have an opportunity to provide excellent and safe patient care in a different way,” Dr. Manney said.

For more information on virtual video visits, go to essentiahealth.org/virtualvisit. D