Campus clinic announces ‘Telemedicine Visits’ availability

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in which residents of the Fort Worth community have been encouraged to stay home, The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s campus clinic is making efforts to continue serving students and families through online “Telemedicine Visits.”

These live, online, video “visits” can be conducted through smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. At the time of one’s scheduled visit, the user will receive a text message that includes a link to the online visit. These visits can be accessed either online or through the Telemedicine app available in the app store.

“In recent days, the challenges to our healthcare system have become greater than at any time in our history,” said Campus Physician Richard R. Knight in a statement to students, faculty, and staff, April 1. “Our hospitals and emergency centers are overwhelmed with patients. This is nothing like I’ve experienced in practicing medicine for almost 39 years, including 30-plus years in the ER myself.”

“Here at your campus clinic,” he continued, “we try to keep up with the latest advances in technology. It began with the use of electronic records from the first day we opened in August 2006. Today, we would like to announce the availability of Telemedicine Visits at your campus clinic.”

Knight clarified that not every problem can be addressed with a Telemedicine visit, but some of the types of problems that can be addressed include:

• • Allergies
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma (without fever)
  • Bronchitis (without fever)
  • Colds and Flu
  • Diarrhea
  • Infections
  • Insect bites
  • Sore throat or tonsillitis
  • Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye
  • Rashes and skin conditions
  • Cough (without fever)
  • Sinus infections
  • Sprains, strains, and minor injuries
  • Vomiting
  • Urinary symptoms or UTI
  • Follow-up for high blood pressure
  • Follow-up for diabetes
  • Follow-up for thyroid conditions
  • Other consultations about your health
  • Nutritional counsel

Explaining that the clinic tries to keep costs at a minimum for the seminary community, Knight said these visits will be the same cost as a regular office visit. For those who are insured by Blue Cross/Blue Shield through GuideStone, co-pays are waived for these visits.

To schedule a Telemedicine Visit, call the campus clinic at 817-921-8880.

The campus clinic remains open, so appointments for in-person visits can still be made through the same number. As Knight says, “We are here to serve YOU!”