The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center https://newbridgehealth.org, a clinical affiliate of Rutgers located in Paramus New Jersey, has expanded their telehealth service called “Bergen New Bridge Cares” to screen patients for COVID-19. With their partner Air Visits, the Medical Center offers urgent care screening and assesses patients who have medical complaints and symptoms.
In addition, if further evaluation is necessary, telehealth consultations are available with an infectious disease physician if necessary. The physician then evaluates each patient and coordinate additional care.
Deborah Visconi, President and CEO at the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center said, “It is hoped that by putting our experts at the fingertips of the community, people’s fears will be eased and they will be more willing to seek early evaluation and treatment.”
The “Bergen New Bridge Cares” telehealth program is the only hospital telemedicine program in the state with “Telemedicine911” protocols. Telemedicine911 allows providers to remotely activate 911 for patients in the state and offers the necessary protection needed for acutely ill patients in emergency situations.
Another hospital system, Rush University System for Health https://rush.edu/excellence, offers on demand video visits. The use of video visits are part of Rush’s suite of virtual care services in preparation for dealing with the spread of COVID-19.
If patients have symptoms of COVID-19 and have been exposed to the virus, the patient will be connected with an on-demand video visit provider for a consultation. If a patient is then found to be at risk for the virus, their visit is free. A Rush Emergency Department provider will assess the patient’s condition and guide them through the next steps to take including how to come to Rush for care, if needed.
Rush launched on-demand video visits last August as part of a larger suite of virtual care services, including e-visits and providing virtual second opinions. Patients have the option to talk to a provider over secure messaging through an e-visit or discuss their health issue face-to-face via a video visit.
Everyone is welcome to complete a virtual visit by creating an account with MyChart, or use “My Rush” mobile app. As the threat of the coronavirus evolves, Rush will also implement symptom tracking tools to help individuals track their condition which will then enable providers to evaluate them remotely.