The number of COVID patients at The University of Kansas Health System is higher today. 17 with the active virus are being treated, up from 15 yesterday. Only one of those patients is vaccinated. Seven patients are in the ICU, down from eight yesterday. Five are on ventilators, the same as yesterday. 31 other patients are still hospitalized because of COVID but are out of the acute infection phase, down from 36 yesterday. That’s a total of 48 patients, down from 51 yesterday.
On today’s Open Mics With Dr. Stites, we took a close look at telehealth services, which have flourished during the pandemic, and why those services could be at risk. Guests were Dr. Keith Sale, VP of Ambulatory and an ENT physician who sees many patients with this technology, and Jason Grundstrom, executive director of Continuum of Care, who oversees the program.
Before getting into the main topic, doctors discussed what goes into the COVID vaccines. They noted the substances are common in things we ingest every day and nothing harmful. Definitely no microchips, as some wild internet rumors suggest. They also point out that messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines are not new and have been around for decades, successfully used against previous outbreaks such as MERS and SARS. They call this vaccine, “A30 or 40 year overnight success story.” They also discussed the status of booster shots, saying we should have an update on Moderna and Pfizer in a few weeks, as well as a recommendation on the COVID vaccine for children 5-11. They emphasized that studies are showing we still have very good protection from all of the current vaccines.
Dr. Sale pointed out that telemedicine is not new. The health system has been using a more basic version of the technology for more than 20 years to reach patients in rural areas. But the pandemic and its stay-at-home rules forced the health system to update the technology and make it available to everyone, with great success. At one time, 1,400 patients a day hooked up with their health system doctors using telehealth. It’s leveled off to about 600 to 700 visits a day but continues to be a great way for doctors to help patients manage both chronic and acute conditions. It’s even been a big help for urgent care visits. Dr. Sale likens telehealth to paper plane tickets, remembering when you had to go to the airport to buy one. Now you can do it on your phone. That’s what telehealth has done for healthcare, allowing patients to see their doctor from a convenient place and at a time that works for them. He calls it a big step forward, and even the most skeptical doctors have embraced it, along with their patients. It’s especially helpful for older patients with transportation or mobility problems. Technology is also being introduced which allows for real-time patient vital signs, just like in the doctor’s office. He outlines the current program here with a series of questions and answers. He says, “Imagine this. If we had a world without smartphones, right now, where would we be? A world without telehealth would be a step backwards, and like returning to the days of rotary or pay phones.”
Jason Grundstrom says that scenario could come true unless lawmakers take action now. Telehealth has been allowed to flourish during the pandemic because of waivers of current laws regarding how to charge insurance companies for the visits. He explains it costs the health system the same to see a patient through telehealth as it does for an in-person visit, but unless Federal and state lawmakers extend those payment waivers or make them permanent, they will expire, and insurance companies may cut back or eliminate coverage for telehealth. He explained how catching medical problems early through telehealth saves insurance companies a lot of money in the long run.
Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control at The University of Kansas Health System, says it’s sad that so many people are dying needlessly from COVID when the vaccine will prevent it. He noted one current unvaccinated patient in their late 30’s who is clinging to life on ECMO and a ventilator and says it was 100% preventable. He notes that being outside is still pretty safe as breath clouds dissipate much faster there. He says most people now getting the virus are unvaccinated and are getting it from unvaccinated family members and friends. He also reminds us we may have a flu season this year, after not having one last year, and we should all get flu shots. He reminds us that it’s OK to get the COVID vaccine at the same time.
Steve Stites, MD, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, says telehealth is one of the most important healthcare innovations we have and it’s only going to get better and better. He says the worst thing we could do is not take advantage of a technology that can help us stay out of the hospital, stay in touch with our doctor and let us get health information on a regular basis. He adds, “This is one of the most important revolutions in medicine. Let’s keep it going so that when the next pandemic comes, we’re even more prepared and better ready to help serve all of you.”
Thursday, October 14 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. We’ll be joined by breast cancer oncologist Dr. Priyanka Sharma to talk about clinical trials during COVID. We'll meet one of her patients, Vanessa Chatman, who was given only a year to live and says a clinical trial saved her life.
NOTE: Journalists should rejoin the Morning Medical Update at 8am as doctors are growing too busy again for individual interview requests. Please bring questions or send to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu until further notice. Thanks for all you do and helping to keep the community safe with your reporting.
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