COVID-19 Preparedness: Dignity Health Launches TeleHealth Capabilities for Patients Requiring Remote Services

Improved health outcomes with greater access to care

OXNARD, CA – (March 27, 2020) – In an effort to increase access to health care for all Ventura County community members during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dignity Health Medical Foundation has initiated TeleHealth capabilities. This accessible, high-quality health care service provides video visits with a patient’s own physician or advanced practice provider using a phone, tablet, or a computer.

The benefits of Dignity Health’s TeleHealth Video Visits include:

• Remote clinical support using communications technology.
• Remotely connecting patients with their own personal physician (primary care or specialist) or advanced practice provider.
• Providing clinical care when it may not be safe for the patient to travel to an office location.
• Compatibility with various devices and types of technology.
• Improved health outcomes with greater access to care.

“TeleHealth services offer patients an alternative method for care and are an excellent option for communicating with their healthcare provider during this time of extreme precaution and social distancing”, said Micah Dickey, D.O. “We are taking extensive measures to ensure the health of those we serve is preserved across our continuum of care. Patients may call their physician today for a TeleHealth visit.”

A primary care provider is typically the first point of contact for common health issues. In addition, Dignity Health Medical Foundation offers several locations, which include Camarillo, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura. Each location offers an array of specialty services to meet the health care needs of the communities it serves. 

Dignity Health Medical Foundation is a non-profit community medical organization comprised of 15 health centers spanning from Ventura to Thousand Oaks. Our experienced physicians and advanced practice providers offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services.

In addition to this recent advancement at such a critical time, Dignity Health St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital’s and St. John’s Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Departments are available for the care of patients 24 hours a day, every day. If an individual is in distress or experiencing a health emergency, it is advised they visit the emergency department immediately. If individuals are not feeling well, they are advised to call their primary care physician directly, or use the Telehealth service to expedite care. Testing for COVID-19 will be facilitated if symptoms are present, including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Body aches
• Nasal congestion

For more information about Dignity Health Medical Foundation, visit: DignityHealth.org/Central-Coast/Medical-Group/Ventura-County. For information about access to Telehealth services, please call your Dignity Health primary care or specialist office for more information.

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About Dignity Health Medical Foundation

Dignity Health Medical Foundation, established in 1990, is a not-for-profit organization providing award-winning and patient-centered ambulatory services in a variety of areas including primary and specialty care, diagnostic imaging, vision, occupational health, urgent care, and behavioral health. Dignity Health Medical Foundation supports physician medical groups, Independent Physician Associations (IPAs), and network providers representing 1,500 employed and independent providers across California. For more information on Dignity Health Medical Foundation and the wide range of services it provides, please visit DHMF.org.

About Dignity Health St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center

St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo and St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard are members of Dignity Health Central Coast, an integrated network of top quality hospitals, with physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services - all recognized for quality, safety and service. Both hospitals are supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region also include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/PleasantValley and DignityHealth.org/StJohnsRegional.