Intermountain Healthcare recently launched Intermountain Connect Care, a telehealth service that connects patients with Intermountain Healthcare providers through video and audio conferencing on the web and using the Connect Care app on mobile devices.
“This means that for many minor medical problems, patients can receive treatment from an Intermountain provider from their home or office without the need to come to an urgent care or doctor’s office,” said Dr. William Daines, Intermountain Connect Care’s medical director.
Daines explained that providers can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, such as coughs, colds, sinus pain, ear pain, allergies, painful urination, minor rashes or skin conditions, flu-like illnesses, minor musculoskeletal complaints, and gastrointestinal issues.
The cost of the visit is $49 regardless of insurance coverage. Some insurances will cover part of the fees, and the service is available to use for all Utah and Idaho residents. Connect Care providers can prescribe medications and send them to local pharmacies. If the providers see the need for a patient to visit a doctor face-to-face or recieve immediate attention, they will refer the user to the nearest clinics.
“Not all medical conditions are appropriate for telehealth evaluation and treatment,” said Daines. “If the provider feels that an in-person evaluation is needed immediately, the provider will refer you to a local in-person clinic and we won’t charge you for the visit.”
The service is tied to the patient’s Intermountain electronic medical record. Intermountain providers will be able to instantly access the patient’s medical history and medications during the Connect Care visit. Clinicians who meet with patients in person in the future will also have the details of the online visit available to them. That vital information helps providers track recurring complications and symptoms, access records of allergies, and note current medications to avoid dangerous drug interactions.
Connect Care brings healthcare access to the entire state, including rural areas that have limited clinic options.
“Patients in rural areas typically have to cover long distances to see healthcare providers, so the ability to connect with a provider instantly over a video link will save patients time and money,” said Daines.
Connect Care can be accessed at intermountainconnectcare.org or by downloading the app for Apple or Android.
