More Specialty Services Coming to East Jefferson County: A Message from Mike Glenn, CEO of Jefferson Healthcare
New specialty services make it easier for East Jefferson County residents to access neurology and rheumatology care. Jefferson Healthcare CEO Mike Glenn explains why convenient, high-quality care is so important in the communities we serve.
April 19, 2024
By Mike Glenn
I’m pleased to announce the launch of two new services that will make it easier for people in East Jefferson County to get high-quality care without leaving our community: tele-rheumatology and tele-neurology.
Rheumatology is a medical specialty that helps patients with inflammatory disorders that affect bones, muscles, joints, and internal organs, like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Neurology is a medical specialty that helps patients manage conditions that affect nerves and nervous systems, like epilepsy, migraines, concussions, and stroke.
We chose these two specialties to launch our tele-health program because of the growing number of community members who need these services, and because more and more people in East Jefferson County are traveling long distances to seek this care.
Breaking Down Barriers to Care
We understand the challenges many residents face when it comes to accessing specialized medical services. Waiting months, big city hassle, and traveling long distances for a ten-minute consultation is not only inconvenient and costly but can delay crucial treatment — or make it impossible to access it at all.
It’s because we understand these challenges that we’re bringing tele-rheumatology and tele-neurology to Jefferson Healthcare. Here’s how it works:
- Talk to your primary care provider about getting a referral for tele-rheumatology or tele-neurology services. You can call (360) 385-3500 to get the discussion started.
- On the day of your appointment, arrive at the hospital just like you would for an in-person appointment.
- A medical assistant will take you to an exam room and help you connect with a doctor through a specially equipped tele-health video system. They’ll remain with you throughout the appointment in case you need anything.
- Talk with your doctor.
Your appointment with a rheumatologist or neurologist won’t be much different from a typical in-person appointment with your primary care provider. The only difference is that you’ll talk with your doctor using a video set-up that looks a little like a desktop computer. The best part is, you can access this care right here in East Jefferson County.
Looking Ahead
Jefferson Healthcare is committed to making healthcare work better and easier for every patient we serve. Modern facilities, cutting-edge technology, and remarkable people are at the core of this work. By embracing innovative solutions, we’re not only improving access to care but also enhancing the overall health and well-being of our community.
Thank you for entrusting us with your healthcare needs. We’re honored to do it and look forward to taking care of you for many years to come.
Warm regards,
Mike Glenn
Mike Glenn is the CEO of Jefferson Healthcare. Learn more about Jefferson Healthcare at JeffersonHealthcare.org.
About Jefferson Healthcare
Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services including primary and specialty physician care.