​WCMG Offers Telehealth as Convenient After-Hours Option

From Western Connecticut Medical Group: The Western Connecticut Medical Group (WCMG) is making it easier for their existing patients to access primary care evenings and on weekends. WCMG-NOW Telehealth and the Night Nurse Service are conveniently designed to extend patient care access beyond regular office hours.

WCMG-NOW Telehealth is a secure and convenient way to get prompt medical attention for common health conditions and other services. Patients can interact with a provider who can diagnose, treat and prescribe medications if needed using secure and private video chat on their computer or mobile device. This service is offered from 5 pm to 10 pm on weeknights and 10 am to 10 pm on weekends.
“As we continue to transform how we care for our patients, we’re pleased to offer affordable and convenient options that bring medical care to patients when they need it in addition to when a practice office is open,” said Richard Gemming, Executive Director of WCMG and Vice President at Western Connecticut Health Network.

WCMG-NOW Telehealth has been made possible by a $250,000 donation from Internet pioneer and author John Patrick and his wife Joanne, a retired nurse. The Patricks are Danbury residents and community philanthropists, proudly funding programs designed to improve the health of the area population. John and Joanne are passionate advocates for integrating technology in medicine to improve health outcomes. John said, “We see Telehealth as a key element to increase access and convenience of healthcare.” John is the author of “Health Attitude: Unraveling and Solving the Complexities of Healthcare.”
WCMG-NOW Telehealth is recommended for issues such as:

• Seasonal allergies
• Cold symptoms
• Rash/skin infection
• Diarrhea
• Pink eye
• Insect bites
• Fever
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Blood pressure concerns
• Migraine
• Diabetes
• Urinary Infections
• Constipation
• Medication renewals

Fees for WCMG-NOW Telehealth vary depending on insurance coverage. Patients will be responsible for regular office co-pays for all commercial insurances.

INTRODUCING NIGHT NURSE
Through our Night Nurse Service, patients can speak with a nurse trained in telephone triage that will assess their needs and determine the necessary level of care. This service is free of charge. The nurse may recommend that a patient seeks immediate treatment at an emergency medical center, manages at home with home-care advice, or schedules an appointment with a healthcare provider in the morning. The nurse may also recommend a WCMG-NOW Telehealth visit. The Night Nurse Service is available anytime the primary care office is closed.
With these options, our patients will receive the care they want, when they need it, from people who know their health history. Western Connecticut Medical Group is here for you.

About Western Connecticut Health Network
Western Connecticut Health Network is the region's premier, patient-centered health care organization serving residents of Western Connecticut and adjacent New York. The organization is anchored by three nationally recognized hospitals, Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital and Norwalk Hospital, and their affiliated organizations. The continuum of care offered includes numerous Western Connecticut Medical Group medical and sub-specialty practices, home health care services, a nationally renowned biomedical research institute, the Danbury Hospital & New Milford Hospital Foundation, the Norwalk Hospital Foundation and other affiliates. For more information, visit WCHN.org. Share your comments with us at Facebook.com/DanburyHospital; Facebook.com/NewMilfordHospital and/or Facebook.com/NorwalkHospital.

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