Parkland Health has inaugurated its first telehealth pod at the Inspired Vision Compassion Center (IVCC) in the 75217 ZIP Code, marking a significant step in enhancing virtual care. The Video Visit Booth aims to address health disparities in communities, particularly those identified in the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment.
Molly Case, RN, MHA, director of virtual care at Parkland Health, expressed enthusiasm about the pilot launch in the Southeast sector. Recognizing varying digital literacy and connectivity challenges, Case stated, “We are providing opportunities in the community to make receiving care easier.”
The Video Visit Booth is designed for scheduled telehealth visits and same-day appointments with Parkland physicians remotely via audio-video communication. Each private, sound-dampening booth accommodates one individual at a time.
“This is very exciting for our patient population, for Parkland Health, and for Dallas County,” Case remarked. “We are proud to be offering our patients different and creative opportunities to receive their healthcare.”
IVCC, a partner of Parkland, collaborates through the Access to Care & Coverage Program, providing health screenings and financial assistance resources weekly. Colette White, director of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion at Parkland, highlighted the complementarity of the pod to health screening services.
Parkland is currently offering on-demand appointments, allowing patients to be seen virtually the same day. Teadran White, CEO of IVCC, emphasized the importance of equitable access to healthcare in the area, noting that the video visit booth elevates their partnership with Parkland.
Equipped with a desktop computer, keyboard, webcam, and step-by-step instructions, the booth facilitates a seamless video visit process. Patients log into MyChart, complete eCheck-in, and connect to the visit portal. The provider is promptly alerted when the patient is checked in, ensuring a thorough virtual experience.
Dr. White emphasized the role of access to care in health outcomes, especially in areas lacking access to healthy food options. The booth enhances the partnership’s trust, providing a secure healthcare option within the community.
“We aim to keep everything as close to how it would be in-person as possible,” Case highlighted, emphasizing the priority of a thorough virtual care experience for patients.
