UK HealthCare has launched a new telemedicine program to treat people at home and to slow down the spread of covid-19

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UK HealthCare has launched a new telemedicine program to make it easier for patients to get care without leaving home.

“To help slow down the spread of covid-19, our leaders are asking everyone to stay home as much as possible,” Dr. Mark Newman, University of Kentucky executive vice president for health affairs, said in a news release. “We know that doesn’t mean people will stop getting sick. We launched UK HealthCare Telecare so that people still have access to treatment for everyday illnesses without needing to leave their home.”

The program will function similarly to an urgent-care clinic, caring for patients with symptoms like sore throat, fever, cough, congestion, and respiratory problems, says the release.

The health-care visit will take place through Zoom, a web-based videoconferencing platform that is compliant with patient privacy regulations. Patients will need access to a device with a camera, like a smartphone, tablet or computer, as well as access to the internet and an active e-mail account to use the service.

"When patients call to arrange an appointment, staff will go through what equipment they need, gather information, and send an email with a link and applicable forms for the visit. Once patients click the link, they’ll be taken to a 'virtual waiting room' to be seen by a health-care provider," says the release.

Visits are first-come, first-serve, and wait times will vary depending on demand. The program is staffed by an integrated team of board-certified providers throughout the departments of Family and Community Medicine, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, says the release.

Telecare appointments are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. And though it is not required, if you have access to a thermometer, blood-pressure cuff, most recent blood glucose reading if you have diabetes, and the most recent weight for a child being treated, UK HealthCare asks that you please have those available. To make an appointment call 1-833-739-0225.