PA College Magazine - Fall 2022 - 1

SECOND
OPINION
QA&
Lori A. Johnson '93, MSN, CRNP
Adult Nurse Practitioner
Lancaster General Health Physicians
Internal Medicine
Telemedicine visits were rapidly implemented in my
outpatient internal medicine practice setting in April
2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access to care was vital to our patients who are largely
individuals at high risk for COVID complications
due to age and/or comorbid conditions. The
availability of telemedicine visits initially provided
increased access for our patients who were unable to
come to the office at the peak of the pandemic, prior
to the availability of vaccinations.
We continue to use telemedicine visits for patients
who request them, provided a telemedicine visit is
appropriate for the goals of the visit. Patients who
have transportation issues, who are caregivers or
who have very rigid work schedules are often more
likely to prefer telemedicine visits. Our patients have
appreciated the option to have this type of visit.
Despite some occasional technological difficulties,
the visits are definitely improving access to care.
How is telemedicine changing the model
of health care access?
Our experts weigh in.
Phil Witkowski
Director of Telehealth
UPMC
Do not be surprised if your doctor says, " We can
see you by video for your next appointment! "
Telemedicine creates safe, convenient access to
critical mental health services or OnDemand
Video Visits to address urgent care needs. This
is only the beginning of what telemedicine can
do! Telemedicine is extending access in all areas
of health care. Physicians and nurses routinely
use technology to assist rural hospitals, local
community centers, nursing homes and schools.
Video visits allow family members and language
interpreters to participate in a loved one's care.
We have seen an increase in remote patient
monitoring (RPM) to collect patient information
through wearable devices combined with video
visits to manage patients with chronic diseases.
Telemedicine technologies create opportunities
for early intervention and the ability to compose a
more holistic view of how a patient's daily lifestyle
impacts overall wellness.
PA College Magazine / Fall 2022
1
PA College Magazine - Fall 2022

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