Mashpee– Community Health Center of Cape Cod (Health Center) patients are now able to participate in telepsychiatry visits from any of the three Health Center locations, in Falmouth, Mashpee and Bourne, connecting via video and audio teleconference to providers at any other Health Center site. Video conferencing allows for real-time, interactive exams with the health care provider at one site and the patient at another. This enables the provider to simulate the standard in-office patient visit, and is a convenient option for patients.

“The goal for this program is to increase access to care for all patients, and to ease the transportation barriers that patients may face,” says Telehealth Program Manager Emily Phillips. “These telehealth programs allow us to better connect our patients with their health care teams and to enhance continuity of care.”

Virtual visits with psychiatrists can improve access to quality, affordable healthcare, while reducing emergency room visits, hospitalizations and overall cost of care.

Telepsychiatry is just one component of the telehealth programming that has been incorporated into Community Health Center of Cape Cod’s continuum of care.  The Health Center began offering video interpreting services and remote patient monitoring earlier this year and will launch teleoptometry and teledermatology services in 2017. Telehealth provides an avenue to participate in the shift to value-based care by offering patients new ways to access healthcare, improving the quality of care for patients through sustained connections between clinician and patient and improving patient outcomes and experience.

Community Health Center of Cape Cod provides care to more than 15,000 individuals within a “complete medical home” model, where multidisciplinary, integrated health services are provided under one roof. This complete medical home model includes primary care, behavioral health care, dental care, gynecology, optometry, on-site affordable prescriptions and specialty services.

To learn more about the Health Center or their telepsychiatry services, please call 508-477-7090.