The importance of virtual primary care during COVID19
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Many of us don’t have a primary care provider, and those who do rarely visit more than once a year. So why should you be checking in routinely with a doctor, even when you’re not sick? Surprisingly, this ongoing relationship may actually help keep you healthier longer. Your doctor can understand your goals and what’s most important to you. What’s more, in uncertain times like these, it’s good to have someone by your side.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the nation, the relationship you have with your primary care provider can be all the more important to stay safe and healthy. And fortunately, keeping that relationship is now easier than ever through virtual care. Recommended by the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, virtual care means you will have access to your doctor via phone, video, and/or text message. The goal of virtual visits is to provide you with the best possible care, while keeping you safe and minimizing any risk of exposure to the virus.
Amidst this growing pandemic, many primary care practices such as mine are working around the clock to help keep patients safe and healthy through virtual care. At Iora Primary Care, we specialize in care for older adults on Medicare throughout the Northwest Valley, including Peoria, and are currently providing care to our patients in a variety of non-traditional ways. In addition to phone and video visits, we have doctors available on call 24/7 for any urgent needs. And since it may be more difficult to see specialists, your primary care doctor can coordinate your care remotely. If needed, you can get labs and imaging done from your home as well. This not only saves you time, but it’s also more cost effective.
Through virtual care, you have the ability to chat with a provider when it’s convenient for you. Instead of going to urgent care or the emergency room, you can get high-quality healthcare from the comfort of your own home. Not only will you get the help you need, but you will avoid a busy waiting room and minimize your exposure to potentially harmful germs.
In addition, virtual visits can help you:
Raise any questions or concerns you may have
Address routine follow up needs
Discuss chronic conditions (like high blood pressure)
Refill routine medications
Address any urgent medical issues
Manage your stress levels and be more productive.
As a patient, you can prepare yourself for a virtual visit by:
Downloading any software you need
Making sure your laptop or phone is charged
Knowing your medical and surgical history
Having your current medication list handy
Picking a local pharmacy OR mail order for 90 day prescriptions
Writing down questions for the provider.
Above all, if you do not feel well or have any questions, it is important that you call your primary care provider first. Calling in advance will allow your provider to ensure you get the right care without risking the health of other patients and team members. Unless it is a life-threatening emergency, it’s important to avoid walking into an urgent care facility, emergency room, or your provider’s office, in order to minimize exposure to yourself. In the case you need emergency assistance, call 911 and notify the dispatcher that you may have COVID-19.
This can be a scary time for many of us. However, primary care providers can help as the first resource to help you stay safe and healthy while at home. At Iora Primary Care, our teams are here for you, and we are taking extra precautions to help our patients avoid the risk of coming in contact with this virus. Our care is built on genuine relationships with a team-based approach, so patients are provided the time that they need to get their questions answered.
While virtual visits may change how you meet with your doctor, there is so much your provider can do to help you by phone or even video. Ultimately, our goal is to help manage your care and focus on living the life you deserve.
Editor’s note: Sahar Zuberi, MD, is the practice medical director for Iora Primary Care, Deer Valley - Bell. Ioria has locations in Peoria and throughout the Valley. For more information, call 602-461-8235.
