N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging North Carolinians to utilize telehealth during the coronavirus pandemic.
Agency Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said keeping chronic conditions under control could be especially important to prevent serious complications from COVID-19. And she urged residents who don't have insurance coverage to pursue it through Healthcare.gov.
"When folks have insurance coverage they can proactively manage their diabetes, or high blood pressure, or get help to quit smoking so if they do get COVID-19, they'll be more likely to recover at home instead of needing hospital or ICU care," she said.
The state health agency has released a three-minute video demonstrating how patients can access care remotely.
Providers are getting creative: reaching out by email, phone, and even offering drive-up appointments where a patient in the parking lot can connect to a doctor through an Ipad.