BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Bethesda East and West in Boynton are all seeing massive increases in patients using telemedicine.
The three hospitals, now all part of the Baptist Healthcare System, are offering free telemedicine consultations to those who believe they may be showing symptoms of Coronavirus.
“Although this has increased average wait times, we are asking patients to please be patient as waiting from home is a safe option that is in line with social distancing recommendations.”
“We have definitely seen an increase in enrollments and visits on Baptist Health Care On Demand,” Baptist Healthcare’s Michael Maucker told BocaNewsNow.com. “At this point in time, we are experiencing 10 times our average patient volume.”
With the increased demand comes an increase wait, but Maucker says it’s better to wait at home — online — than in an emergency room.
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While Baptist is offering free telemedicine, Tenet’s West Boca Medical Center and Delray Medical Center continue to offer nothing — at least online. Their websites make virtually no mention of COVID-19 with the exception of altered rules and regulations for visitors.
By contrast, Baptist’s websites are constantly updated with Coronavirus information.
Maucker, however, reminds patients serviced by Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Bethesda East and Bethesda West that other services are available to them online as well.
“As we have seen in recent studies about ‘flattening the curve,” said Maucker, “telehealth is expected to help lessen the spread of COVID-19 by allowing people to get medical care from home. In addition to urgent care, mental health counseling, psychiatry, breastfeeding support and diet & nutrition, among other specialties, are also available via Baptist Health Care On Demand.”
Baptist’s telemedicine can be reached here.
