UNC Health Care has developed a fully integrated telehealth solution that enables patients to easily access providers through enhanced functionality of their patient portal. Partnering with American Well, UNC Health Care has launched the Telehealth (clinical) app into its Epic electronic health record (EHR) workflow that now offers patients video visits and video consultations with one click.
As part of this workflow, providers receive notifications and can connect with a video visit without having to leave the Epic environment or download a separate application. Providers can also efficiently access patient medical records and provide documentation through the Epic interface.
The telehealth roll-out began in June 2019 with selected primary care and specialty providers and will continue to expand over the coming year.
“Telehealth is a natural and important extension to care delivery. It not only extends the reach and engagement capabilities of the care team, but allows for patients to receive healthcare services and interactions in a way that is both personal and convenient,” said Mike Baird, President of Customer Solutions at American Well. “UNC Health Care’s integration of American Well into the Epic EHR workflow is a model of how hospitals can innovate within their current EHR workflow, making telehealth not only easy for patients but seamless within the physician workflow. In turn, this reduces burnout and increases the time they can spend with patients.”
Through the American Well-UNC partnership, UNC Health Care patients will now be able to:
- Participate in a video visit with their provider outside of the doctor’s office when and where they choose.
- Use their mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer to participate in a video visit without needing any special equipment.
- Access specialists and primary care physicians.
- Add family members to participate as part of a video visit.
“After the completion of a successful pilot, we’re confident this workflow will enable UNC Health Care to expand our services across the state, with an innovative yet intuitive workflow for both providers and patients,” said Robert L. Gianforcaro, DO, UNC Health Care’s executive medical director of population health and virtual care.
Read the original press release here.
See further coverage in Becker’s Hospital Review.