In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, at YKHC we are adapting the way we work and offer care, with the safety and well-being of our customers and employees in mind. We have actively looked for ways to increase social distancing, to limit the spread or opportunity for exposure. For some of our employees and departments, this has meant working from home. Now, for customers wanting to stay home, but who need or desire medical attention, YKHC is rolling out medical appointments utilizing telehealth.
Some of our customers might be familiar with video teleconference (VTC) appointments. These are appointments usually facilitated by a provider in Bethel while the customer is seen from a private room in a village clinic. Telehealth is different. Our customers can receive individual medical care in the privacy of their homes via a secure video platform or a one-on-one phone call with a physician or other medical provider.
Almost all YKHC outpatient appointments are available through telehealth. Our customers can be seen for a variety of medical visits, including:
- Family planning appointments (birth control)
- Refills for chronic medications
- Visits for shoulder, back and knee pain
- Visits for common cold symptoms
- Prenatal appointments (where no sonogram is needed)
How to be seen via Telehealth
Contact YKHC Outpatient Scheduling at 543-6442, they can inform you if your appointment is eligible for telehealth.
After scheduling your appointment, YKHC Scheduling will share your contact information with our technology team. YKHC staff will go through a “Tech Check” with you to ensure you have everything you need for your appointment. If you will be seen through a secure video platform, you will need a phone or computer with a camera and microphone as well as an internet or data connection.
No internet? No camera? No worries! Our telehealth visits can also happen over the phone. Our technology team will work with you to find out what method (video or phone) is best for you and let your provider know.
On the day of your appointment, YKHC Registration will give you a call. They will request your information and register you in our system for your appointment.
Your provider will then contact you through your appointment method — either phone or video — and see you for your medical issue.
Please note: In-home telehealth is still new at YKHC. While we have worked out as many problems as possible, there still may be small hiccups as we roll out this new way of providing care. Thanks for your patience as we improve this process to ensure you have access to the care you need!