April 22, 2020 – Monroe County Hospital & Clinics (MCHC) announced today the implementation of telehealth to expand access to care for our patients in response to the coronavirus COVID-19. This opportunity gives our patients the chance to receive the medical care they need if they are unable to come to the facility.
MCHC is using a simple, secure video solution powered by Zoom. Simply click a link provided to you in an email and you’ll be checked in and ready to see your provider.
“Telehealth will provide our patients, particularly those that are more vulnerable the care they need by letting them see our providers from the comfort and security of their own home. “We want to accommodate our community and region in every way we can to help keep our patients healthy,” said Veronica Fuhs, MCHC Chief Executive Officer.
Our telehealth visits – conducted via smartphone, or a computer equipped with a web camera – are suited to patients who may have flu-like symptoms and want to speak with a provider; or those experiencing other routine ailments but do not want to travel to the office for fear of a potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
“We are committed to helping mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and this will be a great benefit to patients in that effort”, said Fuhs. “With the emergence of the virus causing the disease COVID-19, there is an urgency for us to expand the use of technology to help people who need routine care, and keep vulnerable patients and patients with mild symptoms in their homes while maintaining access to the care they need.”
Patients can access telehealth appointments with their physician or nurse practitioner using a smartphone, tablet, desktop or laptop equipped with a web camera and microphone. Patient telehealth appointments can be scheduled at Monroe County Hospital Medical Clinic by calling 641-932-7172. Appointments can also be requested through our website by making an appointment at https://www.mchalbia.com/patients-visitors/schedule-appointment/. Indicate telehealth requested in comments.
Once a telehealth visit is scheduled, the clinic will provide patients with an email invitation for their appointment time, along with detailed instructions on how to utilize the telehealth program.
“If telehealth appointments will provide peace of mind and extended safety for our patients, then we are more than willing to add this service” said Fuhs. “In this time of uncertainty, we want to do what we can to help keep our patients and staff members safe and healthy by limiting exposure.”
The following MCHC providers will have access to Telehealth Visits:
- Monroe County Hospital Medical Clinic:
- Kendra Martin, DO
- Tanner Crossley, DO
- Lori Vitko, ARNP
- Jennifer Archer, ARNP
- Lynnette Major, ARNP
- Darcy Weilbrenner-Sheldon, ARNP
- Please call our Susan Allison Outpatient Clinic at 641-932-1678 to inquire about a specialist appointment.
For patients who prefer to see their provider in person, MCHC is open and continues to see patients for appointments. The organization is closely monitoring COVID-19 and is following guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization and is working closely with local and state health departments in the care of patients.
About Monroe County Hospital & Clinics
Established in 1951, Monroe County Hospital & Clinics (MCHC) is a trusted provider of high quality, local health care to the residents of Monroe County, IA and surrounding counties. Our highest mission is a promise to create an excellent health care experience. We believe it must be our number one priority to ensure the personal safety and security of each customer and employee. Our full-service, primary care hospital offers an array of inpatient and outpatient health services including surgical, clinical, specialty, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, occupational therapy, emergency, sleep studies, pain management services and much more. Visit www.mchalbia.com for more information.