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it also helps rural patients. AHN
doesn't just connect patients
with any physician; they connect
them with familiar faces, such
as their primary physicians. The
advancement in virtual health
allows physicians to check vitals
and other information with tools
patients can use at home.
Piedmont Macon also has
been using telemedicine to treat
patients, especially when dealing
with mental health. Virtual and
telehealth has been a big benefit for
behavioral health patients. Laura
Whitaker, director of physician and
provider relations for Piedmont
Behavioral Health, said they started
taking patients via virtual health
in March 2020 and it has been a
success ever since.
"The providers I have spoken
with believe this is something
that will definitely stay around,"
said Whitaker. "They are able to
have more reach for patients and
provide access for patients in
rural communities. They have a
lot less cancellations. It has been
very beneficial."
Like Whitaker, Dr. Leon believes
this is just the beginning with
virtual health. As it continues to
improve, physicians will be able to
access more patients and hopefully
reach the underserved population.
But there is still work to be done.
"The more we can understand
what the barriers are and have a
way to quantify them, then we can
utilize the limited resources we
do have and apply them to places
that have the biggest impact,"
said Dr. Leon. "Virtual health is a
good step for being able to at least
visualize what's happening from
the patient's home."
Bridging the rural health-care
gap will not happen overnight, but
many organizations and people
in our community are not giving
up. They are actively working to
get everyone the health care they
need and deserve.
Left: Dr. Gorby Leon, medical
director for Atrium Health
Navicent Primary Care Fort Valley.
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 | maconmagazine.com 47
