Virtual Visits Let Patients and Providers Stay Connected, and Ease Concerns of Going to the Doctor’s Office

Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) has launched telehealth services to help care for patients amid the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Health care providers at Day Kimball Medical Group (DKMG), the physician practices of DKH, are taking the traditional office visit online to continue taking care of patients during these challenging times.

Telehealth video visits – conducted via smartphone, tablet, or a desktop or laptop computer equipped with a web camera – are well suited for most patients who want to see their provider but do not need to physically come to the practice. For patients who do not have access to a computer or smartphone, a regular phone call with their provider can be scheduled as well.

“Given the COVID-19 pandemic, DKMG is giving our patients an alternative to coming to the doctor’s office to receive their care,” said Matt Roy, Executive Director, Day Kimball Medical Group. “Telehealth visits will provide our patients the care they need and want, by letting patients see their healthcare provider from the comfort and security of their own home. It’s a safe, easy and convenient way to keep their appointments and stay connected with their caregivers.”

While some patients will still require office visits, based on their status and health conditions, DKMG clinicians are encouraging patients to stay connected through virtual office visits whenever possible.

To schedule a telehealth visit with a DKMG provider, patients should call their regular provider’s office. Any patient wishing to be seen as a new patient in one of the DKMG practices can call 1 (844) DKMG DOC (1-844-356-4362) to speak with a patient service representative.

Once a telehealth visit is scheduled, the office staff will send the patient detailed instructions on how to begin the virtual visit.

“The addition of telehealth appointments will make it convenient and safe to receive care with Day Kimball Medical Group. We are committed to helping mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, and this exciting new option will be a great benefit to patients and clinicians in that effort,” said Roy.

For those patients whose provider determines that they need to be seen in person, Day Kimball Medical Group locations are open and continue to welcome patients for their appointments.

DKH’s outpatient behavioral health department is also offering telehealth visits for mental health services. The stress and uncertainty of this pandemic can be particularly difficult for people with mental health conditions. These virtual visits will allow patients to talk with one of our health care providers by phone or video chat.

To schedule a virtual appointment with an outpatient behavioral health provider, call (860) 963-6385.

The Rose Bove LaRose Cancer Center at Day Kimball Hospital is also offering telehealth services for certain patient visits. To determine if a virtual visit is appropriate, patients should call the Cancer Center at (860) 963-6425.

Learn more about telehealth services available at Day Kimball Healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic at our Telehealth Services page.

For the latest information, refer to the CDC website, www.cdc.gov and the CT DPH website, www.ct.gov/coronavirus. Local measures to contain the spread of the virus are available at Day Kimball Healthcare at www.daykimball.org/coronavirus, or call 2-1-1, the CT State Hotline for information.