COVID-19 Preparedness: Dignity Health Central Coast Launches TeleHealth Capabilities for Patients Requiring Remote Services

CENTRAL COAST, CA – March 26, 2020 – In an effort to increase access to health care for all Central Coast community members during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pacific Central Coast Health Centers have initiated TeleHealth capabilities. This accessible, high-quality health care service provides video visits with a patient’s own physician or advanced practice provider using a phone, tablet, or a computer.

The benefits of Dignity Health’s TeleHealth Video Visits include:

• Remote clinical support using communications technology.
• Remotely connecting patients with their own personal physician (primary care or specialist) or advanced practice provider.
• Providing clinical care when it may not be safe for the patient to travel to an office location.
• Compatibility with various devices and types of technology.
• Improved health outcomes with greater access to care.

“TeleHealth services offer patients an alternative method for care and are an excellent option for communicating with their healthcare provider during this time of extreme precaution and social distancing”, says Scott Robertson, M.D. “We are taking extensive measures to ensure the health of those we serve is preserved across our continuum of care. Patients may call their physician today for a TeleHealth visit. If individuals do not have a physician and need an office or TeleHealth services, they can call (805) 545-7000.”

A primary care provider is typically the first point of contact for common health issues. In addition, Pacific Central Coast Health Centers offers five urgent care locations along the Central Coast and an array of specialty services to meet the health care needs of the communities it serves.  

Pacific Central Coast Health Centers is a non-profit community clinic organization comprised of more than 40 health centers spanning from Lompoc to Templeton. Our experienced physicians and advanced practice providers offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services.

In addition to this recent advancement at such a critical time, Dignity Health Central Coast, which includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, French Hospital Medical Center, and Marian Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Departments are available for the care of patients 24 hours a day, every day. If an individual is in distress or experiencing a health emergency, it is advised they visit the emergency department immediately. If individuals are not feeling well, they are advised to call their primary care physician or Dignity Health Urgent Care center directly, or use the Telehealth service to expedite care. Testing for COVID-19 will be facilitated if symptoms are present, including: 

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Body aches
• Nasal congestion

For more information about Pacific Central Coast Health Centers, visit: www.dignityhealth.org/phc. For information about access to Telehealth services, please call your Dignity Health primary care or specialist office for more information. If you do not have a primary care physician, you may call (805) 545-7000 for TeleHealth services. 

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About Pacific Coast Health Centers
A service of Dignity Health, Pacific Central Coast Health Centers (PHC) is a non-profit Community clinic organization comprised of more than 40 health centers located primarily from Lompoc to Templeton. Our experienced physicians and advanced practice providers offer a wide range of primary and specialty care services. PHC is a part of Dignity Health Central Coast’s award-winning network of outstanding hospitals, urgent cares, imaging centers, laboratories, and post-acute services. For more information, visit www.dignityhealth.org/phc.

About Dignity Health Central Coast 
Dignity Health Central Coast is comprised of five award-winning hospitals, all recognized for their quality of care, safety and service, primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region are supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to provide additional funding to support new programs and services, as well as to advance the community’s access to health care.  For more information, visit dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.