Patients discharged from the George Washington University (GW) Hospital Emergency Department can now receive follow-up care from the comfort of their home with GW ER Virtual Health.
“ER Virtual Health visits are just another way The GW Medical Faculty Associates (GW MFA) is committed to expanding access to high quality patient-centered care,” says Dr. Neal Sikka, Professor of Emergency Medicine and Section Chief of the Innovative Practice and Telehealth Section at the GW MFA. “Patients who have had a recent ER visit at GW Hospital, and need clarifications on home care, return to work evaluations, or have other questions for the doctor should now consider scheduling a virtual visit for their follow-up appointment.”
ER Virtual Health visits are ideal for previous emergency department patients who have non-emergent questions or concerns, and want to avoid traveling to see a doctor in person. Visits for routine care and follow-up evaluation include:
- Return to work evaluation and documentation
- Concern about COVID-19-related symptoms, recommendations, and/or testing
- General follow-up evaluation
- Consultation regarding interpreting patient lab results from a recent GW ER visit
- General follow-up for a skin condition, rash, or stitches
- Evaluation after a head injury or concussion
- General follow-up visits after a sports-related injury visit to the GW ER
Like other telehealth services offered at the GW MFA, ER virtual visits are conducted through Zoom, which is HIPAA-compliant and can be easily downloaded and used on a laptop, desktop, tablet, or Apple and Android phones. GW Virtual Health doctors have access to a patient’s prior ER records and if a patient needs medication after their visit, doctors can send those prescriptions electronically to the patient’s pharmacy of choice. GW Virtual Health doctors will not prescribe controlled substances, such as narcotic pain medications, through this service.
Virtual Health visits are covered by most insurance plans. Patients should reach out to their insurance providers before their visit to confirm coverage and co-pay amounts.
More Information
For more information about ER Virtual Visits, visit GW Immediate & Primary Care ER Follow-Up Visits. To request an appointment, fill out the Request for Virtual ER Follow-Up Visit form.
Please note that ER Virtual Visits are not for emergencies. If you or a family member are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
