By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Although First Care Clinic has not had to refer any patients for testing for the coronavirus, the clinic was awarded a $646,985 federal grant to help deal with patients when the pandemic peaks in northwest Kansas.
The funds were part of the most recent CARES Act federal stimulus package passed by Congress to fight the pandemic.
SEE RELATED STORY: NW Kan. groups among those receiving health center grant
"I hope we don't need to use the funds, but we will be prepared if and when we need to help out," said Bryan Brady, First Care CEO.
The stimulus funds are designated for expanding telehealth, minimizing virus exposure, testing and lab services, hiring additional staff to deal with the virus, patient and community education, and purchasing additional equipment and supplies.
First Care provides a sliding-fee scale for underinsured or uninsured clients. Brady said as workers are furloughed or laid off, the clinic may see an increase in uninsured patients.
Telehealth service launched
First Care Clinic launched primary care telehealth services for its patients on Wednesday. Patients can access the service from their homes.
The clinic is continuing to see patients in its office, but virtual appointments are being offered for the elderly and those who have chronic conditions who need more regular appointments.
People can also get their questions answered about COVID-19.
The clinic is using a secure video conferencing system through its medical records provider, Brady said. Patients will be seeing the same providers they see in the clinic.
The clinic had already been using telehealth services to provide psychiatric care.
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, insurance companies have waived some restrictions on using telehealth for primary care.
Some insurers are waiving fees or allowing telehealth services for the first time. If you have questions if telehealth services will be covered, Brady suggested you call your insurer.
Brady acknowledged telehealth has limitations. Providers can't take blood pressure or do lab work if a patient is seen through telehealth.
However, he said it may be a good alternative for the elderly or immune-compromised patients who are being encouraged to stay at home.
"We want to protect people," Brady said. "We want to provide high quality care and for people to continue to have access to that care through alternative means of care."
The clinic has assigned staff to help patients with the technical elements of the new telehealth system.
Brady said although the clinic has been told by insurers the rules regarding telehealth are supposed to be temporary, he said he hoped this would be a look into the future of medicine for rural Kansas.
"I think there is definitely a place for this media, especially in western part of the state. We have patients who come from as far as a hour and a half away," he said. "It would be nice if we could continue to provide this option."