Kirstin Pauken, a physical therapist with medical assessment training, opted to ski to two patients who she otherwise would not have been able to reach due to the snow, according to The Oregonian. She took a photo of one patient, who had a skin infection, to send to a physician, who gave input about treatment and medication, since an emergency medical technician would not be able to deliver more immediately.
As hospital and emergency rooms filled — in part due to an “early flu season combined with repeated bouts of hazardous winter weather,” according to The Oregonian — other providers turned to remote care, as well, with practitioners adding hundreds of telehealth appointments.
More articles on telehealth:
UnitedAg expands Teladoc partnership for behavioral health services
American Well, Hawaii Medical Service Association bring telemedicine to rural communities
MDLIVE rolls out virtual health benefit package for small businesses
