SWMC News

E-Visits Now Offered at Select Primary Care Offices
Nov 28, 2016

(ST. JOSEPH) – Patients now have the ability to consult with a physician using their Lakeland MyChart account as part of a new telehealth initiative offered at Southwestern Medical Clinics in Bridgman, Niles, and Stevensville, as well as Stagg Medical Center in Hartford. E-visits are currently available for patients suffering from low-intensity complaints, such as back pain, pink eye, cough, heartburn, and similar ailments.  

“Health care is changing faster than ever and we are always looking for new ways to engage our patients and provide the highest quality, most convenient forms of care,” said Kendall Troyer, Vice President of Outpatient Diagnostic and Post-Acute Care Services, Lakeland Health. “Research shows that consumers increasingly expect ‘on-demand’ care and would prefer emailing their provider about their symptoms even when the clinic is conveniently located.”

After an e-visit is initiated, patients complete a questionnaire regarding their symptoms and within one business day a physician will assess their condition, provide treatment options, and if needed, send a prescription to the pharmacy of their choice. Providers utilizing e-visits will charge a $35 out-of-pocket fee per visit. The first Lakeland Health e-visit was recently completed by family physician, James Kroeze, DO, and was initiated by a patient suffering from back pain. 

Pediatrician and Medical Director, Chris Harvey, MD, discusses the new treatment option in a video available here: