Summit Medical Group Offers Telehealth Appointment for Current and New Patients

Summit Medical Group, the largest primary care organization in East Tennessee, now offers telehealth appointments for current and new patients.

Qualifying patients, including those with chronic disease and acute illness, can use telehealth services to meet with their primary healthcare provider through either a live video chat or phone conversation, rather than coming into a physician’s office or clinic.

Telehealth appointments allow patients with acute illnesses, such as respiratory symptoms, to be assessed remotely. This helps further limit the potential spread of infectious disease such as COVID-19, flu, strep throat and other illnesses.

“By offering telehealth live video and phone appointments, we can provide continuity of medical care within the comfort of a patient’s home,” said Ranee Guard, COO of Summit Medical Group. “Appointments for chronic disease management, for example, are critical for patients’ health and should not be delayed or avoided.”

Summit Medical Group patients should call their primary care physician’s office to set up a telehealth appointment. New patients should view the list of physicians who are currently accepting new patients and then contact the office of their choice to set up an appointment.

At this time, when new or existing patients call a physician office, they may reach the COVID-19 triage line. If a patient does not require a COVID-19 evaluation at a central testing site, the office will help the patient determine whether a telehealth or in-person appointment is appropriate.

For patients who qualify for and are interested in telehealth services, the physician’s office will send an appointment link via text message or email to proceed with the appointment. Patients may utilize a smartphone, tablet or computer to click the link, where they will enter a virtual waiting room until the provider joins. Patients then will talk with their provider via phone or video just as they would in the office.

Some insurance companies currently are waiving patient copays and deductibles for telehealth appointments. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider directly to confirm its policies.

To learn more about Summit Medical Group, its locations and services, visit www.summitmedical.com.