CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 47 to connect to their physician," she said. "It's not as difficult as one might think. Seniors actually find it easier and more convenient for themselves." Dr. Muhammad said the surge of new COVID cases has again made people leery of communal areas such as waiting rooms. "Patients are more likely now to want to do a telehealth visit, especially those with chronic disease or cancer," Dr. Muhammad said. "ey realize if they are around other people, and they catch something they could decline faster. It is important for the patient to have more autonomy and be able to feel more control. Even in an environment where now no one is real control." For lab tests, Muhammad is able to customize appointments to her patients' schedules. "Patients are amenable to coming in for labs, and I've been able to have patients go to the labs at a time that was convenient for them," she said. "Once I get the results, I call them or email to let them know what's going on. And if you do come to the lab, we can also give you your COVID vaccine." Ultimately, the myChart app and telehealth services are designed to make it easier for patients to stay healthy. Dr. Muhammad, who usually reserves one aernoon a week for telehealth visits, said that studies have shown that video visits can be as effective as in-person visits. Even for new patients, she said, that doctor-patient relationship can be established through telehealth. "ere's no reason to avoid being in contact with your health care provider," she said. "It's important to see your doctor and get some guidance as to how well you are doing. Don't avoid your doctor visits. We really want to see you." "He tested positive, and his oxygen level was down to 84 percent," she said. "He was admitted to the COVID unit, and it saved his life." "ey can be a lifeline, you know, telehealth and myChart for patients," Dr. Muhammad said. Both myChart and telehealth enable physicians to monitor patients for whom interpreting blood pressure readings and insulin levels are vitally important. Neither service, however, is reserved solely for critical care situations. Ambulatory Informatics Director Fallon Jones said Cape Fear Valley is continually adding more features to the myChart app and looking for ways to optimize its convenience for doctors and patients. She said it's "a free, user-friendly service that gives patients the means to communicate directly with the established primary care physician." e app allows patients to perform common tasks such as renewing prescriptions, scheduling or canceling appointments and reviewing test results. Instead of waiting for days to receive a call or letter with the results of a test, patients are able to receive the results through the app. Patients can keep track of medications and immunizations through the app, as well. For those who received COVID-19 vaccines from Cape Fear Valley Health, proof of vaccination is accessible within the myChart app. Patients are also able to send messages to their physicians directly through the app. Dr. Muhammad said her senior patients seem to be comfortable with managing the simple technology involved in downloading the myChart app and using it to schedule both in-person and telehealth visits. "But for anyone who has trouble, our front desk is available to help them log in "When COVID hit, my practice skyrocketed with telehealth. Many of my patients were afraid to come in because they didn't want to be exposed to COVID. But they realized that it was very important for them to continue their care, especially those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, COPD and hypertension." SIGN UP. To sign up for myChart at Cape Fear Valley, ask to sign up for myChart at Cape Fear Valley the next time you see your Cape Fear Valley provider. You can also request an activation code by visiting mychart.capefearvalley. com/mychart/signup and entering the required information. Call at 866-860-2098 for assistance. VIEW YOUR LAB AND TEST RESULTS. The majority of lab results are available 48 hours after the results come back. Some will take more time (up to 8 weeks), so your provider has a chance to communicate with you. SCHEDULE PRIMARY CARE AND SPECIALTY APPOINTMENTS. Patients can view the available slots in any internal medicine, family medicine, geriatric, or pediatric provider's schedule, then select a date and time for your next visit. For specialty practices (excluding surgical practices) patients have the ability to schedule follow up appointments. SEND A SECURE MESSAGE TO YOUR CARE TEAM. Use this form of communication for your non-urgent medical questions and needs. VIEW PORTIONS OF YOUR MEDICAL RECORD. Your health summary, preventive care information, past and current appointments, medications and test results are accessible. PAY YOUR MEDICAL BILLS. You can view your account summary and pay your bills from within the secure website. REQUEST PRESCRIPTION RENEWALS. Send a prescription renewal request to your doctor. If you use a Cape Fear Valley retail pharmacy (Center Pharmacy, Hoke Pharmacy or Health Pavilion North Pharmacy), you can order medication refills from myChart. Getting started with myChart

• Cover