Provider Web Capital CEO Chris Stenglein was quoted in Healthcare Dive on November 2, 2017, in an article discussing the value telehealth solutions can provide medical providers and their patients when natural disasters strike, much like the recent barrage of hurricanes in the United States.

Patients are increasingly open to telemedicine solutions from their doctors. In fact, the American Telemedicine Association reports that more than 15 million Americans received some type of medical care remotely in 2016. While providers that invest in telemedicine stand to benefit year-round from elevated patient satisfaction and intake, this investment can mean life or death when a hurricane causes problems that would otherwise make it impossible for patients to receive much-needed care.

As Stenglein notes, storms can cause damage to doctors’ offices that prevent them from providing services, and the subsequent flooding and debris can also make it impossible for patients to get to their providers or clinics. Having basic telehealth capabilities could help care providers stay connected with their patients in future disasters.

Simple solutions like phone conversations with doctors, or using web based solutions to schedule appointments or to communicate test results with a patient can give patients the support they need during a disaster when access to the doctor’s office is impaired.

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