parent by Sanford Health
Always on Call Experiencing a virtual medical exam
Shortly after putting her toddler to bed, Colette Manning’s son was awake – fussing, tugging on his ear. The mother of three knew it was likely an ear infection. But by the time she would have her son in the car and ready to go, the acute care clinic would be closing. “As I was trying to figure out what to do, I remembered I had recently gotten this device that allowed me to do a medical visit online,” she says. Instead of making a mad dash across town, she decided to give it a try. On-demand medical care With TytoCare + Sanford Health, patients can do a medical exam for minor illnesses at any place or time. The kit includes a: •H and-held device with exam camera and thermometer • Otoscope adaptor for ears • Stethoscope adapter for heart and lungs • Tongue depressor adaptor for throat The kit is used with the Sanford Health or Tyto apps for guided exams on a mobile device or phone. This meant Colette could have her son seen by a Sanford Health provider without leaving home.
She turned on the device, opened the app and requested a visit. In a few minutes, Colette was connected with a provider. Once they discussed his symptoms and went over his health history, Colette’s provider walked her through using the device to get readings of her son’s heart rate, temperature, lungs and abdomen. She also took pictures of his throat and ears. “My provider was so patient and helpful,” she says. “When I was trying to get an ear reading, my son was really fighting me. After I tried a couple times, she asked if anyone else was at home who might assist me. And I thought, ‘Of course!’ You can’t think clearly when you have a kid shifting all over the place in your arms!” Colette’s husband then held her son while she positioned the device at the right angle to see inside his ear. Immediately, the provider knew he had an ear infection and sent a prescription to Colette’s pharmacy to pick up in the morning. “If I had to wait to go in, I would have had to bring my other kids along too,” says Colette. “This was such a great option for me as a parent. When it’s late or when leaving home is difficult, this is a great solution.” l