Atrium Health Uses Telemedicine to Treat Eligible COVID-19 Patients at Home

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 27, 2020 – Atrium Health announced a new and innovative program to help appropriate patients who have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to receive safe and convenient treatment while they recover, in the comfort of their home. Atrium Health’s COVID-19 Virtual Hospital is designed to protect the patient’s health, the health of others and to prevent further spread of the infection.

Atrium Health’s COVID-19 Virtual Hospital will use telemedicine to treat patients who don’t require the level of care such as in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), by remotely monitoring vital signs 24-hours a day. This virtual hospital can attend to two levels of care, observation care and acute care. The care team can monitor blood pressure, oxygen levels and temperature while the patient safely recovers in their own home.

Eligible patients will receive a COVID-19 Home Monitoring Kit which includes a blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter (measures blood oxygen and heart rate), thermometer, and detailed instructions for use. The patient will monitor and log their vital signs several times a day, and have daily check-in calls, along with an in-home visit, with a healthcare provider. There is also a 24/7 technical support line for any questions about the devices.

"During these unprecedented times, it is critical we find innovative ways to free up beds at our hospitals for the sickest patients due to the coronavirus," said Scott Rissmiller, MD, EVP and chief physician executive at Atrium Health. "We recognize this program is not for seriously ill patients, but Atrium Health’s COVID-19 Virtual Hospital allows appropriate patients to receive high quality care, in the comfort and safety of their own home."

"Through 24-hour monitoring, we can spot any trends or worsening symptoms and intervene early before it becomes an emergency. The COVID-19 Virtual Care Hospital is a convenient way for the patient to receive monitoring at home," added Rissmiller. "It also allows the hospital system to reserve critical resources for those who truly need them the most."

For those that have flu or cold-like symptoms, please contact Atrium Health before visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency department to prevent the possible spreading of COVID-19. As more social distancing orders are in place, a wide variety of healthcare options for each specific health situation is available at www.AtriumHealth.org/Coronavirus, including Atrium Health’s:

• Free COVID-19 Risk Assessment: Recommendations on your risk of having the coronavirus by answering a few quick questions.
• Virtual Visits: Secure, face-to-face video chat with a trusted healthcare provider from the comfort of your home.
• eVisits: Care through a secure message for minor illnesses like flu or cold.
• Health Line (704-468-8888): Talk live with a healthcare professional to answer your health-related questions.

About Atrium Health:

Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is an integrated network not-for-profit healthcare system with over 70,000 teammates at nearly 40 hospitals and 900 care locations. With locations throughout the Carolinas as well as Georgia, Atrium Health is a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine. It provides top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care to patients, as well as specialized musculoskeletal programs and organ transplants. Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in seven different specialties, it has also received the American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize. Its flagship hospital, Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center, is the region’s only Level I trauma center and is consistently rated among the nation’s best. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all. Last year alone, Atrium Health provided more than $2.07 billion in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits.