Ascension’s Connected Primary Care pilot model in Indiana has reduced scheduling bottlenecks and increased virtual access for patients, according to a Sept. 29 release from Aaron Shoemaker, MD, the system’s vice president and chief medical officer for ambulatory services.
Launched in February, the program deployed one advanced practice registered nurse to cover two clinics three days a week through telehealth. In its first four months, the pilot logged 887 virtual visits — about 35 per week — many of which replaced in-person appointments.
The model allowed Ascension to expand quickly to a second site after meeting initial volume targets and nearly doubled the number of virtual visits per month at participating practices. The approach also helped patients with mobility or transportation barriers access same-day primary care, according to the release.
Dr. Shoemaker said the pilot shows how integrating virtual care can improve efficiency and access. He also urged Congress to make federal telehealth flexibilities permanent to sustain such programs.
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