INDUSTRY INSIGHT
YOUR HEALTH
SPONSORED CONTENT
WHS Virtual Care
24/7/365 access to doctors through
video and mobile app
L
ately, Washington Health System has been making great
advancements by adopting new technology, particularly
when that technology helps to make life easier and healthier
for their patients. From their new state-of-the-art simulation
education center, to handy smartphone apps, the health
system is making it easier than ever to connect their patients
with the best healthcare available.
Recently WHS is introduced an app that could possibly change the
way you receive health care, all from your phone or computer. The
new program is called “WHS Virtual Care”, and will let you visit with
a doctor, virtually any time of day and anywhere. This technology will
effectively replace the need for urgent care for many people. If you have
an illness or injury that doesn’t require an emergency room visit, but is
urgent enough to need immediate care, you can quickly log into an app
and speak with a board-certified doctor.
The process is incredibly simple. You can download the free and
convenient app right from your smartphone’s store or marketplace. For
those who don’t have a smartphone, the same program will be available
via website. WHS recommends that you download the app and
WHSVirtualCare.com
1 Get Started
2 Create an Account
3 Request a visit
Download the app or visit
the URL above.
Don’t wait until you
are sick to create your
account. Sign up today.
A doctor is now a click
away!
complete the quick registration process before you actually need care.
Setting up your profile will take around 15-20 minutes and will provide
the doctor with your background and health information, so he or she
is better able to diagnose you and recommend treatment. Then, when
you’re in a situation where you need to use the service, all you have to
do is log in and request to be seen.
Your virtual visit will allow you to talk with a doctor, face-to-face, using
your phone, tablet or computer’s built-in camera. If you don’t have
video capabilities, an online chat function is also available. The doctor
will be able to diagnose, recommend treatment and even prescribe
medication.
WHS anticipates that the app will be incredibly useful for anyone who
suffers from an urgent but non-emergency ailment like a sore throat,
rash, urinary tract infection, earache, sinus infection, fever or cough.
Instead of spending hours in an urgent care waiting room, or waiting
days for an appointment with your family doctor, you can log in from
the comfort of home, or wherever you happen to be. This is particularly
convenient for late-night illnesses and unexpected sickness during
travel and vacations. Many know the hassle of trying to locate an urgent
care clinic while out of town. Now users don’t have to miss a minute of
their vacation by using the WHS Virtual Care App.
The app also contains several features that increase its functionality.
Patients have the ability to upload a photo (rashes, pink eye, etc.) and
send it to the doctor to examine. You also have the capability to add
another person on the line during the doctor visit. This function is great
for students who are away at college and would like their parents to
be able to sit in on the visit. It’s also a convenient tool for the elderly. A
family member can attend the visit with them and everyone can stay in
the comfort of their own home.
The doctor you will speak with is able to provide medical advice and
even prescribe medication. Because the service is fee-based, patients
are not required to have health insurance. After your visit, you will
receive a summary report that can be printed. Occasionally there is a
short wait to speak with a doctor. In that case, you wait in the virtual
waiting room, where you can view videos and other educational health
information. The app will send a notification when the doctor is ready to
see you.
WHS Virtual Care is just one more way that Washington Health System
is providing patient-centered care to the surrounding community.
Written by Emily King
UPPER ST. CLAIR
❘
SPRING 2018
33