Doctors Equipped with Telehealth Technology to Help Alleviate COVID-19 Pressures

'Virtual visits' reduce strain on healthcare system; support physicians and protect patients

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Mar 19, 2020, 15:38 ET

PHOENIX, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Equality Health, a Phoenix-based whole-health delivery system, announces an initiative to support primary care practices – a need accelerated by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Starting this week, the company will roll out a telehealth solution, connectivity and technical support services at no cost to more than 1,300 Arizona-based primary care providers in the network to help them 'virtually' triage sick patients and provide ongoing care to their entire patient population. The move offers benefit to all patients, particularly those with chronic conditions and individuals facing barriers to accessing care. The easy-to-use telehealth tool allows doctors the means to see more patients in a timely and safe manner in the midst of a call for social distancing and voluntary quarantine.

"Clinicians and their patients will be able to manage an array of health conditions, acute and chronic, securely and privately without having to travel to the doctor's office," said Dr. Mark Stephan, Chief Medical Officer of Equality Health. "Telehealth technology is not new, but now we're putting the tool in the hands of the primary care provider. They have the patient's historical record. They know the patient's family. They have the patient's trust."

"Equality Health is committed to helping providers reduce the community spread of COVID-19 and keep our most vulnerable populations safe and healthy," said Hugh Lytle, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Equality Health. "We are giving primary care practices actionable information, new and innovative tools and additional practice support to take care of their patients." Supplying independent physician practices with software, plus operational and technical support to care for their patients helps them deliver timely, essential healthcare services and remain financially secure.

Patients can securely connect online, even in low-bandwidth environments, using their cellphone or computer. The HIPAA compliant tool is easily downloaded at no cost and is available to the practice's entire population of patients. It is ideal for individuals who are at risk due to underlying health conditions or who struggle with access to care due to lack of transportation, socioeconomic issues or other barriers. The government's recommendation to remain at home except for essential needs, plus the reasonable fear of contagion, means that many individuals may delay or skip health care visits unless they have access to telehealth services.

Physicians are already working with Equality Health to integrate this telehealth solution into their practices. The company is also providing ongoing training and support as well as coding/billing education to ensure it works for each practice.

About Equality Health

Equality Health, LLC is a Phoenix-based whole-health delivery system focused on improving access, quality, and member trust. Through a value-based care technology and community resources platform, culturally competent provider network and population-specific care model, Equality Health helps managed care plans and health systems improve care for diverse populations while simultaneously making the transition to risk-based accountability. For more information about Equality Health, visit www.equalityhealth.com or follow @EqualityHealth on Facebook, @EqualityHealth on Twitter, and @EqualityHealth on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Equality Health