Colorado Springs primary practice uses virtual appointments to screen for COVID-19

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Dr. Mark Tomasulo with PeakMed Primary Care says over the past year, they have had more than 30,000 technology visits with their patients.

According to a recent study by the business outsourcing company Sykes, there was a 50% increase of Telehealth app downloads nationwide in August after the U.S hit the 4,000,000 mark of confirmed COVID-19 cases in July.

However, the study also shows many patients are not using Telehealth for symptoms of COVID-19.

Tomasulo says patients at PeakMed are encouraged to do the opposite.

“It really should be used to screen patients before they show up at their door," says Tomasulo. "You can screen them, you can tease out your information, you can come up with a definitive diagnosis."

According to the study by Sykes, many patients still prefer to be seen in person.

That's because most patients still prioritize being seen by a doctor locally, which isn't guaranteed when using most Telehealth apps.

"I think many hope when they call in, the person they're talking with has some of idea of the geography they're in," said A.J. Hanna, VP of Client Advocacy at Sykes. "People want to have that feeling that they’re getting care that’s consistent with care their neighbors are getting or that their family is getting.”

Dr. Tomasulo says because patients at Peakmed are only managed by their local provider, they're able to give patients virtual care that's consistent with what they get in person.

Typically, patients at PeakMed are seen 10 to 15 times per year; half of those appointment are virtual.