HEALTH
A phone
call a day
keeps
the
I
Story by Emily Patrick
Photos submitted
n the wake of a deadly virus sweeping the country, health
facilities have transformed from traditional medicine to telehealth
alternatives. The irony? Doctor’s offices may now be more safe
than they’ve ever been.
Mickey Bowling, the director of operations for Madison Family
Clinic, described the new protocols doctors and staff now operate
under daily. This includes the use of “full” PPE (personal
protective equipment) such as gowns, masks, face shields and
gloves. Other precautions included cutting waiting room seating
in half, isolating sick patients into a sick area and increasing
sanitation initiatives.
“Every need is met,” Bowling said. “It’s probably safer to come
in now more than ever.”
The clinic was also allowed to implement telehealth appointments
— that is, appointments held over the phone or through
video chat. This allows patients and doctors to safely communicate
from their own homes; something small town clinics had previously
been unable to enact, lacking resources or even funds.
According to Bowling, around 55% of recent appointments
have utilized telehealth options, but he stressed the importance
of face-to-face visits as well.
“(Under telehealth) we’re not able to get vitals, to (physically)
look at the patients,” Bowling said.
However, if clinicians notice something through a telehealth
appointment or have concerns, they will advise patients to
come in for a physical appointment. Although some patients
doctor
away
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Madison Magazine June- July 2020