How Telemedicine Can Benefit Rural Populations
WVU Medicine rural medicine provider discusses network of comprehensive care
Most people became familiar with telemedicine during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but its benefits extend far beyond that today including reaching rural populations.
Telemedicine offers and expands access to physicians, specialists, and other health care services for patients in rural areas. Within a network like WVU Medicine, local and regional primary care providers can connect their patients with cutting-edge specialists and institutes, offering patients care closer to home.
“Telemedicine is a key component for providing comprehensive care that can benefit certain populations of patients,” Dana Bechtold, DO, of Harpers Ferry Family Medicine Rural Health Clinic, said. “It’s not a replacement for the relationship between primary care providers and patients or emergency care, but it helps us make connections and strengthen access for patients to both primary and specialty care.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, nearly all of Jefferson County is considered a rural area based on population. WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center is designed to provide essential healthcare services to rural communities. In addition, an expanded ambulatory campus is in progress as part of Eastern Panhandle expansion projects to bring more services together in one convenient location, enhancing patient experience and providing comprehensive care under one roof.
Patients in Jefferson County are able to utilize virtual self-scheduling for many primary care providers on the WVU Medicine website. Self-scheduling is also available for primary and some specialty care via MyWVUChart. In addition, Virtual Urgent Care visits are available through WVU Medicine for many common, mild to moderate health issues for quick and accessible care.
“Between the expansions happening here in the Eastern Panhandle and telemedicine, we’re able to reduce travel burden for our patients without sacrificing access to the care they need,” Dr. Bechtold said. “And we still can maintain that close-knit, hands-on spirit of rural community healthcare.”
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Dr. Dana Bechtold