Kaleida Health Launches Telehealth Platform Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Released: 4/10/2020 10:49:17 PM

Kaleida Health announced today it has launched its telehealth platform, Kaleida Cares, that provides remote emergency room visits and consultations for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients across Western New York.

Kaleida Cares, powered by Cisco, seamlessly integrates with care teams’ existing workflows and allows providers to safely deliver high-quality care amid social-distancing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

“By utilizing our telemedicine capabilities, we can address the ongoing healthcare needs of our patients, reduce the potential risk of infectious disease exposure for patients and health care workers and conserve medical supplies for high-acuity patients at our hospitals,” said Joshua Lynch, DO, Director of Emergency Medicine at DeGraff Memorial Hospital. “Individuals can seek care from an emergency room provider from the comfort and safety of their own home.”

How It Works:

• Individuals with questions or possible symptoms of COVID-19 or minor clinical conditions can schedule a Telehealth Video Visit here: https://kaleida-health.inquicker.com/facility/kaleida-emergency-telemedicine
• Upon appointment confirmation, a care team member contacts the individual by phone to complete registration and general assessment. *Depending on the individual’s symptoms and care needs, an on-site visit may be required at the discretion of the care team.
• Prior to the appointment time, patient receives link by email/text message which directs them to a secure video conference line, accessible on a smartphone, laptop or tablet.
• Emergency room provider consults with patient to assess symptoms, provide recommendations and prescribe medications.

As a reminder, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH), at-risk or symptomatic patients should first contact their primary care provider, urgent care clinic or local emergency room before leaving their homes to seek care.

For more information about Kaleida Cares or to schedule a virtual appointment, please visit www.kaleidahealth.org