In an expansion of its digital health offerings, St. Tammany Health System has announced Virtual Care Now, a healthcare innovation in which patients can schedule same-day virtual visits with a healthcare provider dedicated solely to conducting such electronic visits.
Designed with patient convenience in mind, Virtual Care Now will provide patients 5 years and older with access to a healthcare provider from their smartphone, tablet or computer.
Virtual Care Now providers will be available to assess and treat most acute conditions, including:
- Cold/flu and cough.
- Allergies and sinus issues.
- Urinary tract infections.
- Fever.
- Pink eye.
- Sore throat.
- Stomachache.
- Rashes.
Additionally, the Virtual Care Now service will be available for depression/anxiety follow-ups, as well as for patients in need of a referral.
“We are very excited to expand our virtual visits with Virtual Care Now,” said Dionne Williams, assistant vice president in charge of the health system’s St. Tammany Physicians Network primary care clinics. “Virtual Care Now provides an additional avenue for patients to connect with a provider immediately. One of the benefits is that it erases the time it takes for patients to commute to a clinic, by offering them the convenience of receiving care in their home, work, or other setting of their choice.”
To participate in a Virtual Care Now visit, a patient must first download the MyChart app – which is available free for Apple and Android devices – and sign up for the service. Step-by-step instructions on the sign-up process can be found at StTammany.health/MyChart.
Appointments for a Virtual Care Now visit can be made directly through the MyChart app, online at StTammany.health/VideoVisit or by calling (985)898-4001.
“I am looking forward to providing same-day access that doesn’t disrupt your day and allows you to see a healthcare provider from home or work,” said Nurse Practitioner Laura Read, who will be conducting the Virtual Care Now visits upon launch.