Telemedicine Now Offered at Community Internal Medicine of Athens

To help serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians and Augusta University/ University of Georgia Medical Partnership residents at the Community Internal Medicine of Athens (CIMA) clinic have implemented a telemedicine feature for patients.

CIMA physicians and staff wanted a way to still serve their patients while keeping them safe. Telemedicine allows patients to still see their physician while not leaving their home during the pandemic.

Dr Marla Tschepikow, Medical Director of CIMA, said both existing and new patients to CIMA may use telemedicine.

“This service usually requires an established relationship. However, the normal requirements have been waived due to the current national state of emergency,” said Tschepikow.

The CIMA clinic serves as the continuity clinic for Medical Partnership residents and allows them the opportunity to develop their ambulatory care skills while serving as the primary care providers for their personal panel of patients.

The patients who are interested in telemedicine have the opportunity to connect with their physician via a live video through a HIPAA compliant web platform.

Telemedicine not only allows physicians to provide care for acute issues such as allergies and cold symptoms, but it also allows follow up care for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Patients will need access to internet and a webcam to take advantage of telemedicine. The service can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, or computers.

“I am very proud of these physicians and our residents for providing this feature at CIMA,” said Campus Dean Michelle Nuss. “It allows patients to get the medical care they need while sheltering in place in their homes.”

The Internal Medicine Residency Program is a joint effort by the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership and St. Mary’s Healthcare System, the program’s Major Participating Site. The program’s goal is to address the physician shortage in Georgia.

You can call (706) 389-3875 to learn more about telemedicine at CIMA.