According to a recent media release, White River Health System (WRHS) is launching WaveLink, an online platform that allows patients to connect with a provider through a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera.
The online platform allows patients to schedule immediate real-time video/virtual visits with a healthcare provider 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere.
Virtual visits via WaveLink are good for evaluating minor conditions such as allergies, bronchitis, cough, diarrhea, fever, migraines and headaches, pink eye, quick assessments of wounds, rash, seasonal flu, and sinus problems, the release said.
“WaveLink does not serve to replace a patient’s primary care provider. Its purpose is to help when patients or their family members have a minor illness during a time when they aren’t able to see their provider,” said Gary Paxson, president and CEO of WRHS. “WaveLink will help patients avoid ER visits for minor conditions, in turn avoiding high out-of-pocket costs.”
Providers can prescribe medications when deemed medically appropriate. There are, however, restrictions. Online providers must diagnose with the list of symptoms provided by patients. According to the release, if a patient does not meet a particular diagnosis based on symptoms, providers will be unable to prescribe a medication for such. Providers also cannot prescribe or refill certain medications such as muscle relaxants, and/or pain medications.
Any Arkansas resident can register for a WaveLink account at WhiteRiverHealthSystem.com. After an account is established, patients will sign in each time they need to see a provider. Each visit is a flat fee of $65, which will be billed to the credit or debit card information entered during account setup.
WRHS is not accepting insurance at this time for WaveLink, the release noted.
For more information on WaveLink, or to find the answers to frequently asked questions, visit WhiteRiverHealthSystem.com/news, or call (870) 262-4151.
