Use of Telemedicine to Expedite and Expand Care During COVID-19

Introduction: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) created challenges with access to care including increased burden on healthcare systems and potential exposure risks for vulnerable patients. To address these needs, Rush University Medical Center created a virtual, urgent care program specifically designed to address these challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This was a retrospective study analyzing adult patients with COVID-19-related telemedicine visits performed between March 1 –June 30, 2020. COVID-19-related telemedicine visits refer to those who used the “Concern for Coronavirus” module. We assessed the total number of telemedicine visits using this module, percentage with a subsequent emergency department (ED) visit within seven days, and outcomes (ie, hospitaliz ation status, intubation, and death) of patients who presented to the ED for evaluation. Data are presented using...
Source: Western Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research