By: Merin C. MacDonald
It is a common challenge across primary care—a patient’s primary care provider has moved or retired and they need to make an appointment with a new provider. It seems simple enough but the problem is that PCPs are scheduling new patients out six to twelve months or more in some cases, which can create lapses in regular health screenings, staying on track with medications, and a variety of other issues.
To address these challenges, with the support of Dr. Eric Dickson, president and CEO of UMMH, and the UMMH system, the Virtual Care Bridge pilot program has been launched in the Benedict Internal Medicine Practice in the Division of General Internal Medicine. This program gives patients the opportunity to meet with an advanced practice provider (APP) by telehealth, to help “bridge” the gap in care before their first appointment with their new physician. During these virtual appointments, the APP can provide the patient with referrals and prescription refills, and ensure they stay on track with chronic disease management and regular screenings such as colonoscopies.
Launched in April, the Virtual Primary Care Bridge pilot program has been supported by Julie Carelli, an administrative coordinator in Benedict Internal Medicine, Garrett Miller, PA-C, and Krista Sabina, NP. Julie contacts new patients scheduled more than 12 weeks out via MyChart, answers their questions about the program, and ensures they have the technology necessary to participate. Appointments are then booked with Garrett or Krista who temporarily manage a panel of patients waiting to see their new physicians. Garrett has seen more than 25 new patients in the Virtual Bridge Clinic since April.
The pilot has been met with a positive response thus far. “Patients are very grateful,” said Deborah Blazey-Martin, MD, MPH, chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine and vice chair for ambulatory affairs in the Department of Medicine. “So far, it has been incredibly helpful in keeping patients on track with their care.” In late May, Dr. Dickson came to observe a telehealth visit in the Virtual Bridge Clinic and voiced his strong support for this initiative.
Post-pilot, the program will continue to grow with the addition of two full-time APPs, a medical assistant and administrative staff, nursing, and a physician medical director. With the success of the pilot, the long-term plan at the system level is to expand this service to include new adult patients waiting for primary care across all UMMH primary care practices including Family Medicine and CMG practices.