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Special to the Leader

Steward Health Care, which operates The Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur, is implementing telehealth visits.

The visits uses video technology to expand access to care in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 and give patients peace of mind that they can receive the medical care they need without having to go to the doctor’s office.

The telehealth video visits — conducted via smartphone, or a desktop or laptop equipped with a web camera — are well suited for patients who may have flu-like symptoms and want to speak with a physician; or they may be for patients experiencing other routine ailments but do not want to travel to the office for fear of a potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

“Given the COVID-19 pandemic, Steward Medical Group is giving our patients an alternative to coming to the doctor’s office to receive their care,” said Dr. Michael Callum, president of Steward Medical Group. “We are healthcare providers who are used to being innovative in our delivery of high-quality care. Telehealth visits will provide our patients the care they need and want, as well as mitigate the spread of COVID-19 virus by letting patients see our doctors from the comfort and security of their own home.”

Telehealth appointments are available for primary care and internal medicine, as well as a broad range of specialized care including cardiology, orthopedics, and women’s health.

Patients can access telehealth appointments with their physician or caregiver in two ways: using Microsoft Teams application or Apple FaceTime with an iPhone or iPad. Patient telehealth appointments will be scheduled through their doctor’s office, and any patient needing an appointment should call their doctor’s office.

For patients who prefer to see their doctor in person, Steward Medical Group clinics are open and continue to welcome patients for their appointments. The health care organization is closely monitoring COVID-19 and is following guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and World Health Organization, and is working closely with local and state health departments in the care of patients.