Tidelands Health launches telehealth option for therapy services
Tidelands Health has launched a telehealth program to help patients safely complete needed physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions amid the COVID-19 pandemic – without leaving their home.
All 12 Tidelands Health Rehabilitation Services locations across the region now offer a “virtual visit” option for current and new patients to receive their treatments through a real-time telehealth visit with a licensed therapist. Patients simply use a laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone equipped with a camera and microphone to have the telehealth visit with a therapist.
“It’s so important that patients continue their treatments amid these challenging times,” said Frank Moreno, clinical coordinator of outpatient rehabilitation services. “We’ve created a way that we can come to them virtually to make sure they receive their needed care without leaving their house.”
Gov. Henry McMaster paved the way for licensed therapists in the state to use telehealth for appointments as he, along with health officials, encourage community members to practice social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
The telehealth option is available to patients who need physical, speech or occupational therapy. Moreno said it is crucial to a patient’s recovery that prescribed therapy continue without interruption. Often, prescribed physical therapy after a surgery can last eight weeks or more.
Through the telehealth visits, therapists can demonstrate movements and exercises, observe a patient’s technique and provide the needed guidance for the patient to continue progressing.
“Many of our patients – especially older adults who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 – are doing a great job of adhering to social distancing recommendations and staying home,” Moreno said. “Now, by using this new telehealth option, they won’t have to worry about falling behind in their therapy progress.”
Telehealth appointments with therapists at Tidelands Health Rehabilitation Services are available to current and new patients. For more information or to schedule a telehealth appointment, call 1-866-TIDELANDS.