Telehealth and online health services are vital to Delmarva

When people think about Delmarva, beaches, nature and agriculture typically come to mind. But “high tech” should also be on that list. Why? With our spread-out communities, some isolated on islands, keeping up to date with current technologies is extremely important. 

In healthcare, telehealth and internet access to health services can be a lifeline. TidalHealth has offered online access to medical records for decades, and it keeps getting better and offering more services.  

When Jenny Harsin, an electronic medical record application analyst with TidalHealth, traveled to Smith Island for a health fair, she saw its effects firsthand.  

“The highlight for me was a lady telling me how much she loves MyChart and thanking me for making it so user-friendly,” Harsin said. “She uses the MyChart app on her phone, and her favorite features are test results and messaging her providers ...and having proxy access to her hubby so she can manage his appointments!” 

MyChart users have access to lab test results, can complete paperwork and check-in at home so they are seen quicker, and can even request prescription refills. 

Telehealth can be a lifeline for people who can’t easily get to a doctor’s office, whether it’s because it would require a boat trip, like on Smith Island, or simply because driving or finding childcare accommodations can be hard for some, regardless of where they live.  

Patients of TidalHealth’s practices can call their office to see if a video visit is appropriate for their condition. Some telehealth visits can be scheduled directly from their MyChart account. Patients can use a computer, smartphone or tablet for the visits.  

The electronic medical record is also helping advance medical care itself. Recently some surgical teams began using patient-reported outcome measures, or PROMS, collected via MyChart, to improve its care. 

Cheryl Presto, surgical spine coordinator, prepares patients who are going to have spine surgery for what to expect before, during and after the procedure. 

“It will notify them of their class date, and with PROM, we have a questionnaire related to their surgery. The patient can take the questionnaire prior to, and then at three, six, nine and 12 months post-op,” Presto said. The data helps ensure that the surgery was a success and provides important data to surgeons to ensure that procedures are working as expected. 

Healthcare will always have a face-to-face component, and it should. But using technology to augment healthcare and make it easier to access is a positive for our collective well-being.