Telemedicine During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has left patients recently diagnosed with cancer, and those currently undergoing treatment, wondering about whether or not it’s safe to start or continue care. The team at Comprehensive Cancer wants to reassure patients that the practice is taking extra precautions to ensure patient safety for visits to the clinic, while also establishing new virtual options for treatment.
In order to increase access to care during this time, Comprehensive Cancer Centers has established telemedicine capabilities so new and existing patients can continue to see their physicians through virtual visits from their home.
“We understand that there may be some concerns about getting treatment during COVID-19,” said Rupesh Parikh, Comprehensive Cancer medical oncologist and practice president. “But they should know that we’re taking precautions for patient and staff safety and implementing new programs like telemedicine which offers more ways to connect with doctors to continue care.”
While some people might not be familiar with telemedicine, according to a study, 90% of healthcare directors are now using telemedicine in their practices and/or hospitals and this figure is set to increase in the coming years due to the advantages it can provide
Comprehensive Cancer Centers’ commitment to providing high quality cancer care includes adapting and innovating to meet your needs, including in the current challenging environment. For clinically appropriate appointments, such as some new patients, post-treatment follow-up visits, and managing cancer treatment side-effects, telemedicine offers convenience and safety – and the opportunity to initiate and continue effective care.
Questions About Telemedicine
The following are frequently asked questions about telemedicine, and how it works for Comprehensives’ patients and medical team:
Which doctors can we access through the telemedicine platform?
All Comprehensive Cancer Centers’ doctors and providers across all specialties are using the telemedicine platform to deliver patient care.
How can a Comprehensive Cancer Centers’ patient make an appointment?
New and existing patients should contact their current treatment center and request a telemedicine appointment.
Will all patients be able to have a telemedicine visit?
Telemedicine visits are available to all patients of Comprehensive Cancer Centers, when clinically appropriate. Our doctors and providers will determine when patients should be seen in person for an examination in the office. With telemedicine visits available, patients may be able to reduce their number of in-person visits.
What type of visits are seen by telemedicine?
While not all cancer treatment elements can be done via telemedicine, the range of options for the service is broad and always improving. The following visits are ones where telemedicine is an option:
- New patients, when clinically appropriate
- Patients coming in for a routine follow-up visit
- Patients with non-emergent symptoms during and after treatment that can be managed remotely
- Patients with cancer treatment related side effects
- Patients returning for a follow-up visit to review scans or test results that do not require in-person action
- Patients in active treatment who need a prescription medication where the prescriptions can be refilled electronically
What platform do you use for telemedicine?
Comprehensive Cancer Centers is using the VSee platform for its HIPAA-compliant telemedicine solution.
Is it hard for patients to use?
No. Once scheduled, patients or their caregivers should first download a free, easy-to-use app to their mobile device or desktop computer. You can download apps for your iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and Windows technology.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
The physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for cancer, blood disorders, breast health conditions, lung diseases and sleep disorders. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or has pulmonary disease, call 702-952-3350 to schedule an appointment today. Comprehensive is also now offering telemedicine (LINK 3).
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
