Model Monday's: Diana Moldovan

Atrium Now Offers 24/7 Virtual Primary Care

Published 9:31 am Thursday, September 14, 2023

Need to see a doctor at 2 a.M.? With Atrium Health Primary Care Virtual Family Medicine, patients in North and South Carolina can see a family medicine provider anytime – and for most of their health care needs. From preventive medicine and sick visits to care for chronic conditions, appointments are available 24/7 and performed over secure video chat. Visits are also available for mental health screenings, chronic disease management and online prescription refills. Atrium Health's virtual family medicine practice offers a digital health care service to individuals who want to establish a virtual primary care relationship and have virtual health care appointments with a dedicated, trusted physician.

"Right now, we have board-certified family medicine physicians who make up this virtual-only practice," says Dr. Brian Kersten, an internist at Atrium Health Primary Care Mecklenburg Medical Group. "The specialty part is all the care is intended to be given virtually, without having to physically visit a doctor's office. We can take care of nearly all of our patients' needs without ever needing a true face-to-face evaluation."

Virtual primary care helps patients who do not need a high degree of hands-on, in-person care or who have busy lives,perhaps travel frequently and want high quality, accessible primary care with a board-certified physician. Additionally, it is helpful to those patients who may not live close to an Atrium Health practice. Whether managing a chronic condition, seeking care for something new or just trying to stay healthy, each visit is customized to the patients' unique needs.

Patients must be in North or South Carolina at the time of their visit.

"We have 24/7 urgent care video visits for immediate care needs," Kersten says. "The difference here is that you canschedule an appointment with a family medicine physician who knows you and your medical history. You can look online and choose the best appointment for you, similar to if you were making an online appointment for an in-person visit."

While virtual primary care can meet many health care needs, there may be instances when in-person care will be needed.Atrium Health's virtual primary care team can coordinate the right care with specialists or with a provider of the patient'schoice. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance carrier to confirm coverage before scheduling.

Log in to MyAtriumHealth by smartphone, tablet or computer to schedule an appointment, complete medical forms and have a secure video visit with a physician.

Oasis Dry Suction Water Seal Drain From Atrium

Atrium has once again proven itself as a true innovator by fulfilling previously unmet clinical needs in a way that benefits both the clinician and patient. By including pre-packaged sterile water to fill the water seal along with unsurpassed knock-over protection, the Oasis™ dry suction chest drain offers the ultimate in fast set-up and patient safety.

The next generation Oasis chest drain with its easy to use handle, combines the ultimate in adjustable vacuum control with its state-of-the-art dry suction regulator with a fully calibrated water seal. Other features include break resistant multi-position hangers, latex-free tubing, and Atrium's exclusive 24 hour technical support... Because answering emergency technical questions is a 24/7 job here at Atrium.

Atrium Art Spotlights North Shore

A diverse collection of paintings from 25 members of the St. Tammany region's burgeoning arts community will hang as an homage to the north shore Sept. 24-Oct. 26 at the Atrium Gallery in Covington.

An opening reception will be held  in the Atrium, located on the Christwood living community campus.

The "People and Places" show will be the ninth exhibit in the Atrium in 2023 — the most of any previous year. The Atrium this year became the temporary "rescue venue" for two St. Tammany Art Association exhibits, the result of devastating damage to the STAA gallery by Hurricane Ida. The gallery is expected to reopen sometime this fall.

The new show at the Atrium is being curated by artist and art instructor Gretchen Armbruster, who has mentored many of the area artists whose work will be featured, as will some of her own.

"Sometimes an artist in a certain distinctive place gives meaning to both the place and the people who inhabit it," Armbruster said. "Somehow the style of people and places is captured, and this is what I feel these artists who live amongst us have achieved."

Armbruster's early studies were under the direction of Robert Rosbach, David Jinks and Alan Flattmann. After majoring in art at Louisiana State University, she continued her education at John McCrady Art College and the New Orleans Art Institute. Much of her work, some of which will be in the show, captures the color of carnival, jazz and local personalities. She is also a portraitist.

Other local artists with work in the eclectic exhibit include Tim Brown, Bobbie Calandro, Joann Champagne, Shirley Doiron, Cindy Grega, Brigitte Gomane, Jillian Grimley, Carol Hallock, Ian Hubbell, Elizabeth Jackson, Robert Labranche, Elizabeth McMeekin, Carolyn Zara Morvant, Suzette Pellegrini, Ryan Perea, Kathy Perrault, Robert Santopadre, Mary Ann Bonora Smith, Claire Friedricks Taylor, Valerie Thibaut, Karen Treuting, Teresa Villarrubia and Charles Wright.

"We are so fortunate to have such an array of talent in our region," said Atrium curator Ann Loomis. "We are pleased to be able to display these unique works and want to thank Gretchen for assembling them."

The Atrium has hosted art exhibitions that focus on the north shore and Gulf Coast culture and environment since 2012. 

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