The Western Connecticut Medical Group (WCMG) has launched a telehealth service for existing patients to access healthcare providers on nights and weekends, thanks to a $250,000 donation from a Danbury family.
WCMG-NOW Telehealth offers medical attention for common health conditions, allowing patients to interact with a provider who can diagnose, treat and prescribe medications if needed using secure and private video chat on their computer or mobile device. This service, fees for which depend on insurance coverage, is offered from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weeknights and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
Internet pioneer and author John Patrick and his wife Joanne, a retired nurse, made the donation to fund the telehealth program and see telehealth as a key element to increasing access and convenience of health care, according a news release.
WCMG also is introducing Night Nurse Service, a free service available anytime WCMG offices are closed for patients to speak with a nurse trained in telephone triage. The nurse may recommend immediate treatment at an emergency medical center, staying home with home-care advice, scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider or making a WCMG-NOW Telehealth visit.
