Almost everyone has been affected by COVID-19 in one way or another. This time of crisis has caused feelings of stress and anxiety for much of the population. For Sara Whatley–Dustin, DO, a Family Medicine physician with Dignity Health Medical Group — Ventura Region, virtual visits are a way to provide mental health resources to patients during this stressful time.

While clinics remain open and safe for in-person visits, many conditions are suitable for virtual visits, allowing patients a safe and convenient option for receiving high-quality care when needed from the comfort of their home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital resources have provided avenues of connection and learning for children. School, appointments, and friendships now take place in a virtual world. It's no different in health care where virtual visits have also enabled physicians to continue to see patients. 

Karl Zeff, MD, a psychiatrist with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group’s behavioral health program, was delighted to find that virtual visits have enhanced behavioral health visits with his patients.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual visits are playing an even more important role in patient care. For Dr. Christine Braid of Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group in Citrus Heights, California, video visits have presented an opportunity to connect with patients on a human level over the last month.

With the nature of health care shifting during this time, virtual visits play an important role in the health and safefty of Dignity Health Medical Group Patients. The following story about the success of virtual visits is by Dr. Pam Davis with Dignity Health Medical Group – Northridge Family Medicine.