UK TeleCare, explained
UK HealthCare is now offering two ways to see a provider online: UK TeleCare and UK Urgent TeleCare.
Because TeleCare may be a new experience for many of our patients, we have addressed common questions and concerns about TeleCare below.
Privacy and security
We are committed to the privacy and security of our patients. TeleCare visits will be conducted through a HIPAA-compliant version of the videoconferencing app Zoom. Some of you might have used Zoom for work meetings – our version looks the same, but contains extra privacy measures.
When you set up a TeleCare visit, you will first give verbal consent to the visit. We will then send you a link that is specific to you and to the visit.
Technical help or difficulties
We understand that this may be a new experience for many of our patients, so we have set up a UK HealthCare help desk that you can call with questions about Zoom or TeleCare. You can reach the help desk weekdays from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 859-218-6221.
Transition process
We are not automatically transitioning all appointments to TeleCare.
“We are scrutinizing and evaluating all visits first. So if you are offered a TeleCare visit, rest assured that your clinical team has reviewed your appointment and your medical history and has determined that a TeleCare visit is appropriate for you at this time,” says External Chief Medical Officer Dr. Carol Steltenkamp, who is heading the UK TeleCare initiative.
If you have any questions or concerns about your care, you should call your healthcare provider or clinic.
A positive move
The COVID-19 outbreak accelerated our timeline, but we were already well on our way to providing a TeleCare option – much of the groundwork had already been laid.
TeleCare is a necessity right now, but we are also looking ahead to the opportunities this will open up in the future.
We serve patients across the Commonwealth and now, you might not need to make the three hour drive here as often. Even if you live here in Lexington, TeleCare could make a difference. For example, if you are pregnant, you have a lot of routine exams. Those exams can sometimes take up half a day with wait time and travel time, and that adds up. With TeleCare, you can do a routine exam in your office over lunch, or while the kids are taking a nap. It saves time and effort across the board.
