Seeing the value virtual healthcare provides to our community, UHS has organized its telehealth services under one banner—UHS Virtual Healthcare—to allow patients increased opportunities to get the care they need from the comfort of their own homes. “We’re at the point where we have a unified program,” explains John Giannone, MD, medical director of UHS Virtual Healthcare.
Sean Britton, system program manager, Virtual Health and Digital Transformation, says this unification reveals UHS’ commitment to virtual healthcare. “It shows that UHS really has a wide variety of offerings for our community,” he says.
There are currently four programs included under the banner of UHS Virtual Healthcare, explained below.
4 Programs under the Banner of UHS Virtual Healthcare
UHS Virtual Walk-ins
First launched in June 2019, this service allows patients with minor acute medical issues to seek treatment by a UHS provider via a real-time video call. “[This program] was the first accredited consumer-to-provider telehealth offering by a healthcare system,” Mr. Britton says.
UHS Virtual Provider Care
If patients are unable to make the trip from home to see their provider, they can request a virtual appointment by calling their provider’s office. These requests are ultimately granted or denied by UHS providers, as a virtual visit may not be appropriate for certain healthcare needs.
UHS Hospital Care at Home
This service is for patients who need hospital care but are otherwise able to receive treatment at home. There are two options for patients: inpatient and outpatient. “Outpatient Hospital Care at Home involves a short hospital stay at a UHS facility followed by early discharge of the patient to their home, where they are still monitored virtually (and in person, if needed) by UHS medical staff,” says Dr. Giannone. “Inpatient Hospital Care at Home is giving patients the exact same care they would receive during a normal hospital visit except they’re located in their living room.”
UHS Remote Patient Monitoring
Patients who are dealing with chronic illness, such as COPD, are provided with medical instruments or devices, such as an automated blood pressure cuff or pulse oximeter, to allow for remote monitoring of their vitals. This saves patients from having to travel to have these measurements taken.
Dr. Giannone says feedback from patients has been that of astounding appreciation, providing a new level of convenience for those who wish to take advantage of UHS Virtual Healthcare. “I think people really appreciate not having to leave their house to see the doctor,” he says.
Mr. Britton adds that this initiative exemplifies UHS’ mission of quality care and service. “We’re pursuing our organizational values of innovation and helping to provide patients in our community with the most cutting-edge methods of care available,” he says.
TRY A VIRTUAL VISIT TODAY
For more information on how to access any of the programs offered under UHS Virtual Healthcare, visit nyuhs.org.
