VIDEO VISITS
Skagit Regional Health launches new telemedicine program Skagit Regional Health providers and clinics are offering new ways to keep up with patient needs for care by launching a new telemedicine program. The addition of MyChart Video Visits mean appointments are available from the comfort and safety of a patient’s home. MyChart Video Visits is a new service at Skagit Regional Health, launched to provide patients with options as the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the region. The service offers clinical visits with the expert healthcare providers patients know and trust.
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“MyChart Video Visits are a form of telemedicine that improves access to healthcare and also provides an element of safety for patient distancing,” said Rheumatologist Kevin Welk, MD. “Video visits provide the convenience and comfort of having medical care within a person’s own home.” With MyChart Video Visits, patients can meet with their primary care provider and many of Skagit Regional Health’s specialists over video chat, from nearly anywhere. Patients can use a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. They just need stable internet connectivity and
a web camera that is enabled during the visit. “It’s a great way to visit your doctor without leaving work,” said Jennifer Benson, MD, a Family Medicine provider in Mount Vernon. “You could schedule a visit on a lunch break or between meetings. It might be great for someone who doesn’t have transportation right now or if you’re home with kids and can’t get a babysitter.” Many patients travel a great distance to meet with a specialist and may have to navigate ferry schedules or other challenges.
ABOVE: Many providers at Skagit Regional Health are offering video visits with patients including, from left, Orthopedic Surgeon Christopher Sheu, MD, FAAOS; Rheumatologist Kevin Welk, MD; and Electrophysiologist Ramy Hanna, MD.
