As regulatory restrictions relaxed on telehealth services and communities closed down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, teams across Dignity Health Medical Group took action to rapidly scale virtual care capabilities across the state of California to help our ambulatory physicians and APPs continue to safely see patients, meet demand for care, and reduce the transmission of the virus. Since March, Dignity Health Medical Group physicians have conducted over 150,000 virtual visits. 

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.