CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group Offers Virtual Visits for New, Existing Patients

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 30, 2020) – CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group announced today that it has begun offering virtual care to current and new patients.

“Virtual urgent care visits are one way we can help patients during these uncertain times,” said Viren Bavishi, DO, president, CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group. “Virtual visits allow for timely care delivery without putting other patients or our clinicians at risk for contracting the coronavirus. While this option is not intended to replace necessary in-person care visits, it will help reduce patient volumes at care sites during this pandemic so we can serve those who need care the most.”

Patients who currently have a provider with CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group can call that provider’s office to make an appointment for a virtual visit. New patients can call 859.313.2255 to connect with a physician or advanced practice clinician. All CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group providers are equipped to conduct a virtual care visit through Zoom, a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing tool.

The CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group is also part of a partnership that will allow patients to connect virtually with a provider on an urgent care visit after hours and on weekends through Virtual Care Anywhere. To use the service, visit www.CHISaintJosephHealth.org/virtualcare, download the Virtual Care Anywhere app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or call 855.356.8053.

Anyone in the community who is experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) can receive a free urgent care visit through Virtual Care Anywhere. Virtual urgent care visits are available as an initial care option for anyone who would like to discuss symptoms characteristic of COVID-19 with a health care professional. Use the coupon code COVID19 when connecting with the Virtual Care Anywhere through the website, apps or phone.

The service has a fee of $35 per visit, and the fee will be waived for any patient who thinks they may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. After requesting an appointment, a virtual care provider will contact the patient once they are available, typically within 15-30 minutes, although high demand may result in longer wait times. This service is on-demand and does not accept appointments.

Health care experts are recommending virtual urgent care for patients with less severe symptoms of COVID-19 such as low-grade fever, a cough or shortness of breath. People with mild symptoms who are evaluated virtually by a medical professional can avoid interacting with others and ensure they receive the appropriate level of care in the right setting.

Anyone experiencing severe symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as a high fever or difficulty breathing, should call 911 or visit your nearest care site. CHI Saint Joseph Health encourages people to call their medical facility in advance to notify the care team of any COVID-19 symptoms before visiting in person.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health
CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of Catholic Health Initiatives, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 135 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to building healthier communities by elevating patient care through an integrated physical and behavioral health delivery system. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About the CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group
CHI Saint Joseph Medical Group is the employed provider network of CHI Saint Joseph Health with 88 locations in 16 communities throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information:
Mary Branham, Director, Communications
P: 859.313.2642
[email protected]