Tired of having to schedule your day around doctor appointments? The new Atrium Health Primary Care Virtual Family Medicine practice makes health care more accessible and convenient.
Appointments are now available at any time, day or night. Patients can access secure video visits using the MyAtriumHealth patient portal.
“The difference between this virtual practice and other virtual visits is that patients who prefer to receive the majority of their primary care virtually can now establish care with a primary care provider and care team for ongoing care,” said Alisa Starbuck, vice president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s primary care service line. “This new practice reduces time spent in a waiting room or commuting to a doctor’s office and allows patients the flexibility of scheduling a virtual appointment around their schedule.”
The virtual primary care practice is designed for patients who do not need a high degree of hands-on, in-person care or who have busy lives and might travel frequently and want high quality, accessible primary care with a provider.
“The unique part is all the care is intended to be given virtually, without having to physically visit a doctor’s office,” said Dr. Brian Kersten, an internist at Atrium Health Medical Group Division.
“We can take care of nearly all of our patients’ needs without ever needing a true face-to-face evaluation. We also have 24/7 urgent care video visits for more immediate needs. The difference here is that you can schedule an appointment with a family medicine provider who knows you and your medical history. You can look online and choose the best appointment for you, similar to making an online appointment for an in-person visit.”
Additionally, it is helpful to those patients who may not live close to an Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist practice. Whether managing a chronic condition, seeking care for something new or just trying to stay healthy, each visit is customized to the patients’ unique needs. Patients must be in North or South Carolina or Georgia at the time of their visit.
- Virtual care services include:
- Chronic conditions management
- Disease prevention
- Illness and acute care needs
- Lab orders and recommended screenings
- Medication management/prescriptions
- Mental health services
- Preventative care and health evaluations
- Virtual consults with specialty care if needed
“These visits are just like regular clinic visits, but instead of physically coming to a clinic you can meet with your provider directly from your phone or computer,” Starbuck said. “It’s almost like being in the room with them, but much more convenient.”
While virtual primary care can meet many health needs, if in-person care is needed, the virtual primary care team can coordinate the right care with specialists.
Appointments can be made at 844-235-6999, online or through the MyAtriumHealth patient portal. Those who are experiencing life threatening symptoms should call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
Media contacts:
Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu; Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu.