Barnard Medical Center Expands Virtual Health Care

WASHINGTON—Health care providers at the Barnard Medical Center are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Eastern to care for patients in Maryland; Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Missouri; California; and New York. The medical center transitioned to providing 100% of its care using telemedicine technology, seeing patients via computer or mobile phone through Chiron Health Telemedicine Company.

Physicians and other health care providers are available to help with chronic disease management, allergies, skin concerns, and many other health issues for which patients do not need to be seen in person. The Barnard Medical Center offers special expertise in helping patients integrate nutrition and lifestyle modifications to treat and prevent disease. For any of these needs, and if you are experiencing a fever or respiratory symptoms (nasal congestion, sore throat, cough), please call 202-527-7500 to speak with the front desk staff and schedule an appointment.

Appointments take place using a laptop or computer with a camera and mic, or via smartphone. Once the appointment is scheduled, patients receive an email or text link to see their provider.

“Moving from in-person to virtual patient appointments ensures that we remain healthy and available to care for patients,” explains Vanita Rahman, MD, who is on staff at the Barnard Medical Center. “Telehealth also reduces the chance of transmission of coronavirus to patients, staff, and our community.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare and several private insurance companies are covering telehealth appointments for patients. These telehealth appointments are also vital for patients who need non-COVID-19 care during this self-distancing time.

What you need to know about coronavirus:

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with one another. The virus can be contracted from respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their face.

According to the CDC, patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In rare cases, severe complications including pneumonia and organ failure can occur.