Topeka, Kan.-based Stormont Vail Health rolled out an e-visit program for patients with minor illnesses through its Epic MyChart patient portal, The Topeka Capital-Journal reports.
Through the e-visit program, patients with medical concerns such as a rash, sore throat or urinary problems are able to submit a questionnaire detailing their symptoms through the MyChart portal. After reviewing the questionnaire, a provider will reach out to the patient via phone or send a message through MyChart.
Stormont Vail Health officials said their goal is for a provider to respond to a patient's e-visit submission within one hour.
Each e-visit costs $45. However, if a provider flags a patient as needing an in-person consultation, the patient will not be charged for the e-visit, according to the health system's CIO, Judy Corzine.
Ms. Corzine told The Topeka Capital-Journal Stormont Vail Health has been working toward adding an e-visit service for roughly one year. Officials first tested the service by rolling it out to its employees.
"Employees who used it really liked it," Ms. Corzine said. "It's really a convenience component, and the providers are very upfront regarding whether it's something they do need to be seen for or something they can answer over the phone."