x
Breaking News
More () »

Central Georgia doctors utilize telehealth to see patients during COVID-19 crisis

COVID-19 is changing the way Macon pediatrician Lance Slade sees some of his patients.

MACON, Ga. — A central Georgia doctor is using telehealth technology to treat his patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. 13WMAZ spoke with pediatrician Lance Slade of Primary Pediatrics who showed us how he is using Telehealth to keep his staff and patients safe.

"We're calling folks by computer, sending text messages to the family, at which point we can link up with them," Slade said. 

COVID-19 is changing the way Macon pediatrician Lance Slade sees some of his patients.

"Telehealth, I think helps people feel comfortable being in their home, not having to necessarily be here in the office with us, it allows for convenience for smaller things like bed checks, rashes, smaller simple things," Slade said.

Slade says telehealth does not replace a face-to-face visit, but does help limit the number of patients coming into his office. So far, Slade has conducted about 20 video visits using the system. 

"The patient will click it and then they will be in a virtual waiting room, so I'll click that room and they will talk face-to-face just like this," Slade said. 

Over video, Slade can prescribe medication or see if you need to come in for a visit for things like, "Someone says, 'Hey, I'm having a fever and cough,' I can't see that over there, I can just talk to them and that is one if we can't treat their symptoms or were worried about respiratory distress," Slade said. 

Slade hopes the system encourages social distancing while keeping kids healthy. 

"This is a growing and crazy time, and we are happy to help any way that we can," Slade said. 

Slade says during this pandemic most insurance will cover telehealth visits, but you should still check with your insurance provider to make sure.

RELATED: VERIFY: Viral video with coronavirus claims is full of false info

RELATED: Coronavirus live updates: White House warns US to brace for 'rough two-week period'

RELATED: Georgia announces effort to increase coronavirus test processing

RELATED: 'It's causing people to die': Houston County officials urge people to follow social distancing rules as numbers spike

RELATED: Coronavirus in Georgia | 4,117 confirmed cases statewide

RELATED: 'I literally thought I wasn’t gonna make it': 29-year-old Ga. nurse, bodybuilder on ventilator for COVID-19 improves

RELATED: Macon man buys 100 meals from restaurant to feed the homeless, support local business during COVID-19 outbreak

RELATED: 'Pandemic' scientist says his team has discovered potential cure for COVID-19

RELATED: What you should do if you can't pay your rent or mortgage due to COVID-19

RELATED: Washington County residents who violate emergency declaration could face $1,000 fine, jail time

FACTS NOT FEAR | At 13WMAZ, we’re focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the coronavirus. To see our full coverage, visit our site section here: www.13wmaz.com/Coronavirus.

STAY UPDATED | Click here to subscribe to our Midday Minute newsletter and receive the latest headlines and information in your inbox every day.

Have a news tip? Email news@13wmaz.com, or visit our Facebook page.

Before You Leave, Check This Out