St. Charles is increasing access for gastroenterology services in Central Oregon, thanks to a new partnership with WovenX Health, a virtual GI provider.
Since the service began at the end of April, more than 200 patients have received care through it. Jonnie Becker, administrative director for the surgical division, explains that WovenX Health has provided tremendous relief for the gastroenterology department, which is routinely booked for months out.
Patients must be referred to use the service. When they call to schedule an appointment with the GI department, patients may be offered on-demand appointments through WovenX Health, based on health-related criteria. Rather than waiting months, patients can connect virtually with a GI provider on the same day. Becker says it is also reducing patients seeking emergency care, as 15% of the patients using WovenX Health report they would have sought care in an Emergency Department if not for the on-demand visit availability.
Becker says the process is seamless for St. Charles patients, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. WovenX Health virtual providers are credentialed with St. Charles and are able to order supporting labs, imaging and procedures.
Becker expects WovenX Health providers to see about 40 patients a week, which will also free up St. Charles providers to focus on procedures that cannot be done virtually, like scopes.
“I am so pleased we have been able to expand our department with the collaboration with WovenX. This partnership has enabled us to increase capacity and offer GI services to many more patients,” said Becker.
