By Megan Pass, PT, DPT, NCPT

During this every-changing time, a Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order from our governor, and need to maintain social distancing, Blue Mountain Hospital District is doing everything possible to serve Grant County Residents, in a safe and effective manner. As such, both Strawberry Wilderness Community Clinic Providers and BMHD Rehabilitation Services have rolled out telehealth. Telehealth is a real-time video chat where a link is sent to the patient through either text message or email for a scheduled appointment with a SWCC Provider or BMHD Rehabilitation Therapist.

Strawberry Wilderness Community Clinic Providers are offering telehealth as an option to serve your needs. We are able to provide care virtually for refills, chronic disease management (diabetes visits, some blood pressure visits, etc.), and some sick visits. Unfortunately, the Oregon Health Authority postponed preventive and wellness visits until it is deemed safe. Many patients, who had appointments postponed, are being called, and given the option to schedule telehealth visits. If internet access is an issue, the providers will phone patients to manage chronic health problems. We all understand that life goes on, and we are committed to helping you manage your chronic conditions.

Please contact Strawberry Wilderness Community Clinic at 541-575-0404 for any health needs, and they will happily direct you to the best treatment option.

Rehabilitation Services, which includes our doctors of physical therapy, occupational therapist, and speech therapist, are now offering telerehab as appropriate and as a virtual case management option. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehab and virtual case management was not an option to rehab professionals. Some insurance companies, including Medicare, are changing the regulations to make sure you are well taken care of.

Telerehab is a regular physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy visit done over real-time video chat. We will invite you to the “chat room” about 5 minutes before your appointment through a text message or email. This can be done on your computer or smart phone. If you are an existing patient and want to opt in, give us a call and we will walk you through the process to get you started.

Virtual case management is either over the phone, or ideally through real-time video chat. If you are an existing patient and have a question, concern, or change in status, reach out to us and we will guide you on how to set up the video chat.

Rehabilitation Services at BMHD is seeing patients on a critical basis following all precautions. We continue to reach out to you to move you forward on your rehabilitation journey. Call us with any concerns at 541-575-4157.

Whether you opt in to telehealth or not, we are here to serve you. We at Strawberry Wilderness Community Clinic and Rehabilitation Services value your care and are here to serve the health needs of our community.

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