FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2020
CareATC Expanding Access to Care with Virtual Visits 7 Days a Week, 7 AM - 7 PM CST
Tulsa, OK – April 13, 2020 -- CareATC, a leading innovator in the health technology sector providing on-site and shared-site medical clinics, is expanding access to primary care services with virtual visits 7 days a week from 7 AM- 7 PM CST.
As more states tighten measures to fight the coronavirus, about three out of four Americans are now, or will soon be, under some form of lockdown. While many forms of American life are canceled or put on hold, CareATC is ensuring that continuity of care isn’t one of them. Through virtual appointments, patients can securely meet with a CareATC provider in the comfort and safety of their homes.
“In a pandemic, it’s important that patients have full confidence that they will receive the medical care they need while sheltering in place,” said Scott Strickland, CareATC’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “So, we are not reducing our services and hours; we are expanding them.”
Unlike traditional telemedicine services, CareATC virtual visits begin at a pre-scheduled time so patients know exactly when to connect and who they will be connecting with; generally, their current provider who is familiar with the patient’s physical and mental health history.
Just like a standard CareATC in-office visit, providers have ample time during a virtual visit to meet with patients to address immediate concerns, disease prevention and long-term plan of care. Clinic visits are granted only if a provider has determined that a patient needs an in-person appointment. If medication is prescribed, CareATC offers at-home delivery of prescribed medications through a partnership with Northwind Pharmaceuticals.
CareATC virtual visits not only support current public health efforts to assess and test patients for COVID-19 but also carry on the important function of access to care and care continuity.
“With easier access to medical providers and medication, more of our patients are engaging with their healthcare benefits,” said Dr. Kimberley Hutton, CareATC’s Chief Medical Officer. “Since mid-March, we have conducted over 5,000 Telemedicine and Virtual Clinic consultations. We now have 400 to 500 patients a day.”
If a patient needs access to care after hours, CareATC is able to offer 24/7 telemedicine services.
“For example, if a patient is needing after-hours acute care and uses our telemedicine partner, the encounter is logged within our electronic medical record system. If a patient then schedules a virtual visit, the CareATC provider can see the encounter, offer follow-up care and address additional needs during the visit,” said Stickland. “And with the added benefit of prescribed medications arriving directly to the patient’s home, it’s a complete and high-quality end to end patient experience without the patient having to leave home. Patients and providers are protected and continuity of care is ensured.”
In effect, CareATC virtual visits accomplish a number of important goals including safeguarding patient and provider health through social distancing, identifying potential COVID-19 cases, ensuring continued care for acute and chronic diseases, and direct delivery of prescribed medications to patients. Through expanded service and extended hours, the intent is to provide patients with access to the primary care they need with the providers they trust.
About CareATC, Inc.
CareATC Inc. is a leading innovator in the health technology sector providing on-site and shared-site medical clinics. By leveraging groundbreaking technology, CareATC offers customized population health management solutions for employers that reduce healthcare costs by promoting health, preventing disease and providing a shorter path to care. CareATC manages more than 150 clients in 35 states and cares for more than 300,000 patients. Accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc., CareATC is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To learn more about CareATC Inc., visit www.careatc.com.
CareATC PR Contact: Lisa Ness, Chief Revenue Officer | Email lisaness@careatc.com
Media Contact:
Paul Keeling
Phone: (918) 779-7414
Email: pkeeling@careatc.com