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July 2020 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.com |
HandWmagazine
BLAZING THE
TELEHEALTH TRAIL B
efore the rise of telehealth during the COVID-19
pandemic, oncologists at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center had already begun embracing innovative ways to leverage technology to serve women in Eastern Kentucky diagnosed with gynecological cancers.
For patients who can’t travel easily to Lexington for care, the Gynecologic Oncology Telemedicine Program has made it possible to see a physician without leaving home. Virtual appointments allow women diagnosed with uterine, ovarian, vulvar, vaginal and cervical cancers to stay in their communities, at their local hospital or clinic, while consulting with a UK HealthCare gynecologic oncologist. This reduces visits patients must make to Lexington. Patients can use telemedicine appointments for most of their care, including initial consultations, second opinions and reviews of tests. “In July 2019, we started service with healthcare providers and clinics in Eastern Kentucky,” said Valeria H. Moore, BSN, RN, Gynecologic Oncology practice
manager at the UK Markey Cancer Center. “We are currently working with Middlesboro (Cumberland Valley Medical Surgical Associates) and St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, and we are starting communications with ARH Hazard and ARH Prestonsburg.” Other sites include King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center in South Williamson and ARH Hospital Community Clinics in Harlan. This form of care delivery has been a blessing to women in the area. “This enables patients to have a consult visit with a gynecologic oncologist, and then they are brought to UK if they need surgery,” Moore said. “All their follow-up visits are done via telehealth, and they are able to get chemo and radiation in their hometown.”
