Virtual clinics keep patients connected

Jeanie Schug, a retired Parkview Huntington Hospital (PHH) nurse and long-time resident of Andrews, has navigated a healthcare journey that has included multiple knee and back surgeries. In 2006, she was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

She initially received diabetes management guidance from her family doctor in Huntington, but when he retired in 2016, she transitioned to Parkview Endocrinology in Fort Wayne. Schug says she loves her providers in the Fort Wayne office, but the hour-long journey and the rising fuel prices were taking a toll.

In recent months, Schug has benefitted from a new, hybrid healthcare model that has enabled her to keep seeing the providers she trusts while cutting her travel time considerably: in-office, virtual visits.

The solution to a persistent problem

Many rural residents, like Schug, face the frustrating realities of accessing healthcare from a distance. Specialists tend to practice in more urbanized areas with larger populations, resulting in fewer providers in non-metro areas. As the Association of American Medical Colleges underlines, this disparity correlates to higher mortality rates and lower life expectancies for rural residents living with chronic conditions.

The recent surge in telemedicine has offered many benefits, such as more convenient access to healthcare, yet unreliable broadband presents a significant hurdle for people in many smaller communities.

“If I had to do a virtual visit using my service here at home, I can’t be guaranteed a connection,” said Schug.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 22.3% of Americans in rural areas lack high-speed internet, compared to just 1.5% in urban areas, exacerbating the divide in healthcare access. Addressing this issue, Parkview Huntington introduced in-office, virtual visits for endocrinology last fall, leveraging reliable, in-clinic broadband. During these in-person appointments, patients connect with their providers virtually using a tablet and a stable internet connection at a Parkview medical office.

This spring, Parkview Wabash Hospital also began offering in-office, virtual visits for rheumatology patients. More options are on the way, according to Brad Tieszen, vice president, Parkview Physicians Group (PPG) Physician Practices, Parkview Health.

“We are excited to expand our specialty virtual care, uniting medical expertise and the latest technology to create an excellent patient experience,” Tieszen said. “By offering a different way to bridge the gap for rural patients of specialty providers, we’re working to improve the overall health of the rural communities we serve and enable people to receive quality care closer to home. We’re currently identifying needs and plan to add in-office, virtual care clinics across the region for multiple specialties over the next year.”

The support and care of an office visit

Aware of the distance Schug traveled for her appointments, her endocrinology provider, Kayleigh Land, NP, suggested she try an in-office, virtual visit. Schug did and has continued seeing Land virtually ever since then.

“I have found there are many patients who can benefit from in-office telehealth visits,” said Land. “For example, some may pay for transportation services, but this option isn’t always affordable or convenient. Others may drive but don’t feel comfortable driving longer distances to come to our Parkview Regional Medical Center clinic. Some people may want to try telehealth but do not have the capability to use a smart phone or computer for the visits. Increasing access to healthcare is one of the best ways we can advocate for our patients, and these in-office, virtual visits enable them to receive the same level of medical care as they would from a traditional visit.”

At the virtual clinic, each patient is greeted by a nurse who will then obtain vitals, review the patient’s medical history and medications, and discuss any current concerns for the visit. The nurse will set up the video connection with the provider via tablet and then either stay to assist with the exam or leave the room, depending on the needs of the visit. This setup allows patients to both see and hear their provider clearly, ensuring an uninterrupted consultation.

“There’s a good connection, and it’s worked out,” said Schug. “The girls at the clinic are just fantastic and enjoyable people to work with. I lucked out with being able to have that opportunity.”

Land said she can engage with patients regardless of whether virtually or in person: “As a provider, I thoroughly enjoy getting to meet new patients or see recurring patients through our telehealth service. Regardless of their transportation issues, lack of technology resources, or financial restraints, we’re still able to provide excellent care for our rural patients.”

For her part, Schug appreciates the major cut in travel time – from a two-hour round trip to just 30 minutes – but she emphasizes that the biggest advantage of the in-office virtual visits is maintaining continuity with her providers.

“When you build a relationship with your doctor, they get to know you, your history and how best to work with you,” Schug said. “I really appreciate being able to work with that office with Kayleigh.”

Find out more

In-office virtual visits are an option for individuals who do not need in-person care at the moment, prefer not to travel far for routine care, or lack access to a strong internet connection. If this hybrid model of care interests you, speak with your provider. Information is also available on the in-office virtual visits page at parkview.com.

Endocrinology care is available at PHH and multiple Parkview locations. To establish care with an endocrinology provider, call (260) 266-8840.

In-office virtual visits for rheumatology care are available at Parkview Wabash and other Parkview locations. To establish care with a rheumatology provider, call (260) 266-8820.

In Huntington, the virtual clinic is located at 2003 Stults Road, Suite 200, in the medical office building adjoining Parkview Huntington Hospital. In Wabash, the virtual clinic is located at 8 John Kissinger Drive, in the medical office building adjoining Parkview Wabash Hospital.

Virtual visits through MyChart and in-person visits are also available options. Patients should discuss with their provider the appointment type that works best for them and the type of care they need. Prior to an in-office, virtual appointment, any lbs., imaging or tests should be completed so results can be factored into treatment decisions.