Telehealth Now Option at Lake Region Urgent Care

Honesdale, PA (December 8, 2020) — Amid the increasing rate of positive COVID-19 cases in the community, Lake Region Urgent Care (LRUC), part of Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC), is now offering telemedicine through its facility located at 273 Grandview Avenue in Honesdale.

According to James Panto, RN, practice manager, LRUC, all patients are asked to call ahead first, whether it be for telemedicine or an in-person visit due to pandemic restrictions set by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. While this has been the practice since April, calling 570-390-4545 prior to arrival now allows patients to request a telemedicine visit if their medical need is appropriate.

“This means a patient could receive care from the comfort of their own home or vehicle via a computer or smart phone,” said Panto, “which is very convenient and safe.”

Panto says it’s understandable that the current health crisis has made some individuals feel uncomfortable entering the urgent care, “we’re happy we can now offer an alternative to those patients as long as it is something that can be handled through a virtual visit not requiring a physical exam.” He indicated conditions such as sinus infections, sore throats and rashes would most likely meet the criteria. “Anything requiring further diagnostic testing would still have to be in-person.”

All of WMCHC’s primary care, pediatric and specialty offices have offered telehealth since April and continue to do so for the safety of staff and for patients needing either follow up for a chronic condition or acute care consultation with their Primary Care Provider.

WMCHC is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) clinically affiliated with Wayne Memorial Health System, Inc. For more information on all services, visit wmchc.net. For information regarding Lake Region Urgent Care, visit lakeregionurgentcare.com.

Photo:  Medical Director of Lake Region Urgent Care Richard Hacker, MD, and Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, Chelsea LaTourette, CRNP, prepare to consult with patients via  telemedicine visits.