This story was originally posted by Atrium Health.

Atrium Health is bringing community-based virtual care to the Peppertree Apartments in Charlotte. The health system partnered with Ascent Housing to open its first community-based virtual care clinic in the apartment complex.

The clinic has an on-site health care technician who assists patients in virtual care visits with a primary or specialty care provider who is located remotely. The health care technician uses telehealth equipment to listen to the patient’s heart and lungs, and view the ears, eyes, nose, and throat.

After the exam, the diagnosis and treatment plan are discussed with the patient, including necessary prescriptions or follow-up care. On-site testing is available for flu, COVID-19, strep throat and other common infections.

Executive vice president and chief community and social impact officer of Advocate Health, parent company of Atrium Health, Kinneil Coltman, says initiatives like this one provide an innovative approach to increase access to health care for the community.

“The balancing act of time, transportation, work and child care creates immense obstacles for households in need of critical resources, like health care. The introduction of this clinic removes those obstacles, providing primary care services at the doorstep of the households we are trying to serve,” said Coltman.

The clinic serves residents of Peppertree Apartments as well as nearby community members.

To learn more, visit Atrium Health’s website.

Photo courtesy of Atrium Health.