Non-emergency medical issues come up all the time, and the increased availability of walk-in clinics has helped patients when minor injuries and illnesses arise. The next step in the delivery of healthcare is now available in our state—virtual visits. This new offering called the MinuteClinic Virtual Visit allows people to use their mobile phones or a computer to get treatment for minor conditions such as sore throats, stomach upset, earaches, minor injuries, and rashes to give some examples.
I know that with a newborn, I’m personally grateful for the ability to access healthcare treatment quickly and without having to pack up the whole family and head to the doctor. For our employees at the Township, I’m excited about the opportunities this will create for them and am optimistic that it will help avoid unnecessary time off for doctors visits, which makes our local government run more efficiently.
CVS started testing this method of healthcare delivery in August of 2018, launching in nine states. During the testing period, they learned that 95 percent of the patients who opted to access healthcare through telehealth services were “highly satisfied” with the overall experience and the care they received.
It’s easy to use, patients just need to complete a health questionnaire before the session and then they are matched to a board-certified healthcare provider who is licensed in PA. If a prescription is needed to address the health concern, it’s submitted to the patient’s preferred pharmacy. There’s no time limit on the telehealth visit and if an in-person follow up is needed, the service can help find an appropriate provider.
We are fortunate to be one of the 26 states where this service is now available, because minor health issues seem to happen at the least convenient times—but now, there’s another option for treatment.
Jeff Varner, Swatara Township Commissioner