(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - The Ketchikan Indian Community’s Tribal Health Clinic has launched a new service that connects providers and patients via videoconference.  Telehealth is an online option that enables patients to receive a wide-range of healthcare services remotely without having to travel to the clinic for an in-person visit. 

“KIC is committed to meeting our patients where they’re at. This option removes barriers for tribal members who choose to utilize our clinic’s medial services,” said Charlie White, KIC Tribal Administrator. “While our team had already been exploring how to best implement telehealth services, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated our efforts.”

Non-emergency medical appointments are now available through Doxy.me, a full-service telehealth solution. The platform allows providers and patients to see each other during their appointment through a desktop computer, smart phone, or tablet. Providers can evaluate and diagnose symptoms, provide treatment advice, and write prescriptions without patients leaving their home.

Doxy.me is HIPAA compliant and does not require any software to be downloaded or applications to be installed.

“During this time of social distancing and self-quarantine, we believe that telehealth is an excellent tool that will enhance the way KIC Tribal Health Clinic practices medicine,” said Catherine Keene, KIC Tribal Health Clinic Director. 

Keene said, “This option allows for continuity of care, will not affect the quality of service, and enables us to further protect the community by limiting patient and provider exposure to serious illnesses.”

Many primary and behavioral health services are available through the new telehealth model including evaluation of common illness and injury, chronic diagnosis management, medication refills, review and order of labs and imaging, referrals as needed, and elder check-ins. 

For the remainder of the pandemic, in-person appointments are limited and are being scheduled on a case by case basis. 

Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Ketchikan Indian Community
www.kictribe.oprg

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