COVID-19 Preparedness: Dignity Health Central Coast Launches
TeleHealth Capabilities for Patients Requiring Remote Services
CENTRAL COAST, CA – March 26, 2020 – In an effort to increase access to
health care for all Central Coast community members during the COVID-19
pandemic, Pacific Central Coast Health Centers have 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”, says Scott Robertson, M.D. “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. If individuals do not have a physician and need an office or
TeleHealth services, they can call (805) 545-7000.”
A primary care provider is typically the first point of contact for common health
issues. In addition, Pacific Central Coast Health Centers offers five urgent care
locations along the Central Coast and an array of specialty services to meet the
health care needs of the communities it serves.
Pacific Central Coast Health Centers is a non-profit community clinic
organization comprised of more than 40 health centers spanning from Lompoc to
Templeton. 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
Central Coast, which includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, French
Hospital Medical Center, and Marian 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 or Dignity Health Urgent Care
center 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 Pacific Central Coast Health Centers, visit:
www.dignityhealth.org/phc. For information about access to Telehealth services,
please call your Dignity Health primary care or specialist office for more
information. If you do not have a primary care physician, you may call (805) 545-
7000 for TeleHealth services.
About Pacific Coast Health Centers
A service of Dignity Health, Pacific Central Coast Health Centers (PHC)
is a non-profit Community clinic organization comprised of more than 40
health centers located primarily from Lompoc to Templeton. Our
experienced physicians and advanced practice providers offer a wide
range of primary and specialty care services. PHC is a part of Dignity
Health Central Coast’s award-winning network of outstanding hospitals,
urgent cares, imaging centers, laboratories, and post-acute services.
About Dignity Health Central Coast
Dignity Health Central Coast is comprised of five award-winning hospitals, all
recognized for their quality of care, safety and service, primary care offices,
premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers,
outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services. Hospitals in the
Dignity Health Central Coast region are supported by an active philanthropic
Foundation to provide additional funding to support new programs and services,
as well as to advance the community’s access to health care. For more
information, visit dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.