UPMC makes shift to telemedicine solutions

Hospitals around the world look to technology to help them care for patients and to help limit the potential for exposure to the novel coronavirus. Telemedicine is taking off in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A similar trend is underway at UPMC. Because of the organization’s significant investments in laying the groundwork for telemedicine over the last few years, UPMC is positioned to meet new demands.

UPMC has experienced a massive shift in patient volume to its primary telemedicine solutions, MyUPMC Video Visits and UPMC AnywhereCare. Last year, UPMC expanded its telemedicine capabilities to surgeons and other physicians who perform medical procedures. In 2020, UPMC quickly provided telemedicine capabilities to the vast majority of its primary care physicians. These strategic decisions prepared the system for the rapid escalation of telemedicine because of COVID-19. This preparation has enabled UPMC to continue to provide quality care, safely, during the pandemic.

UPMC is encouraging patients to schedule appointments with their primary care physicians and specialists as virtual video visits through MyUPMC. This tele-ICU (intensive care unit) capability is making it easier to provide the very highest level of care to more patients.

“Telemedicine has worked so well that it’s unlikely providers will switch back to the old way of performing medicine for certain patient populations post-crisis,” says Carla Dehmer, director of telemedicine, UPMC. “More patients will receive high-quality care within the convenience of their own homes. Patients will be able to see their providers without having to find transportation, child care or take time off from work. The way we perform medicine will forever be changed. And UPMC is ready.”

As needs change and develop, UPMC will continue to be at the forefront of technological care to ensure that the community is cared for, both now and into the future.

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