The COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic is one of the most pressing public health crises in the last decade and has led to widespread fear, anxiety, and uncertainty across the United States. In our last blog on COVID-19, the state of Colorado found that over 740,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with over 1800 hospitalizations and nearly 44,000 COVID-19 tests. The spike of cases and the need for testing also means that patients need a remote solution in order to get basic urgent care medical services: that is where telemedicine at urgent care comes into play. The need for remote medical services is key as COVID-19 continues to rise across the state.
As mentioned on our previous blog, the state of Colorado is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, tests, and hospitalizations. The current statistics in the state of Colorado for COVID-19 are as follows:
- 10,106 cases
- 47,466 individuals tested
- 1,880 hospitalizations
- 113 community-level outbreaks
- 449 deaths
The virus is not slowing down anytime soon, which is why it is crucial to have access to telemedicine and telehealth services. Thankfully, the AFC Urgent Care Denver team is here to help patients understand the benefits of virtual visits during both the COVID-19 pandemic and during a period of normalcy; whenever the virus slows down and patients don't need to aggressively social distance themselves. Here is everything that you should know about telemedicine and how it can help provide an even more flexible outlet for crucial medicals services:
What is telemedicine? How about telehealth?
Telemedicine is the delivery of medical care through any virtual setting, where providers are able to address conditions and injuries. Telehealth is an interchangeable term, but is a more loosely defined service that uses audio at a minimum to provide basic consults, FAQs, and patient questions about healthcare needs. Telemedicine focuses on improving a patient's condition through video and audio connectivity between a patient and a provider.
The telemedicine services and virtual visits available at AFC Urgent Care Denver include the following:
- Allergy Symptoms
- Bug Bites
- Poison Ivy
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Mild Sunburn
- Cold Sores
- Canker Sores
- Cold
- Sore Throat
- Diarrhea
- Ear infection, earache, or swimmers ear
- Eye infection, pinkeye, sties
- Female urinary tract infections
- Head Lice
For the most part, telemedicine urgent care at our urgent care locations provides care and triage for mild urgent care needs that don't require an in-person visit for diagnosis. While Telemedicine is not a substitute for emergency care and injury care, it can help patients get affordable and accessible care for other important needs.
Telemedicine and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is creating widespread chaos across the city of Denver and the state of Colorado. Patients are getting rapid COVID-19 tests as well as car side medical urgent care to ensure they are safe during the pandemic. But telemedicine allows patients and families to get care for a variety of services without needing to risk an infection or break social distancing orders.
Telemedicine visits with our local providers ensure that you are seen by a familiar doctor from any of our AFC Urgent Care Denver locations. Simply book online through an internet connection to get started. Providers can help address symptoms of seasonal illnesses, diagnose conditions, and determine if testing or treatment is the right solution for your symptoms. Sudden eye and ear infections, sore throat, headaches, and fevers can be evaluated before requiring a COVID-19 test!
Telemedicine is affordable and flexible for patients
Because telemedicine only requires an internet connection for a visit, it means that patients don't have to take the time to travel for medical care. Whenever a patient has a sudden fever or symptom, they can simply book an appointment online. A patient can get care coordination and consultations for their immediate medical need all from the comfort of their home. Providers also ensure that patients have everything they need to complete a visit and determine their next steps for medical care.
Additionally, telemedicine is also affordable for many patients since most in-state insurance providers, Medicaid health plans, and Medicare cover telemedicine as a service. Patients don't need to worry about additional costs for logging onto a telemedicine visit as well as unmentioned costs for travel, taking time off work, and other important needs.
If you have any more questions about telemedicine, telehealth, or any of the new services at AFC Urgent Care Denver, please contact our team today!
