San Andreas, CA….Dignity Health Mark Twain Medical Center today announced the launch of a free virtual urgent care service, Virtual Care Anywhere, for anyone in our community experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of the new coronavirus. Virtual urgent care visits are being encouraged as an initial care option for anyone who would like to discuss symptoms characteristic of COVID-19 with a health care professional.

As ambulatory and acute care facilities across the country experience an increase in the number of patients with COVID-19 symptoms, virtual health care visits can help providers meet demand while reducing potential transmission of the coronavirus. The service is a safe and convenient way for people to speak with a medical professional for advice without needing to visit a physical care location.

To use the service, visit www.dignityhealth.org/virtualcareanywhere, download the Virtual Care Anywhere app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or call 855-356-8053 and use the coupon code COVID19. The service has a fee of $35 per visit, and the fee will be waived for any patient who thinks they may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. After requesting an appointment, a virtual care provider will contact the patient once they are available, typically within 15-30 minutes, although high demand may result in longer wait times. The service is on-demand and does not accept appointments.

“Virtual urgent care visits are one way we will help patients with COVID-19 symptoms assess their options for treatment or testing,” said MTMC President and CEO. “Virtual visits allow for timely care delivery without putting other patients or our clinicians at risk for contracting the virus. And while it’s not intended to replace in-person care visits, it will help reduce patient volumes at care sites so we can serve those who need care the most.”
Health care experts are recommending virtual urgent care for patients with less severe symptoms of COVID-19 such as low-grade fever, a cough, or shortness of breath. People with mild symptoms who are evaluated virtually by a medical professional can avoid interacting with others and ensure they receive the appropriate level of care in the right setting.

Anyone experiencing severe symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as a high fever or difficulty
breathing, should call 911 or visit your nearest care site. Dignity Health encourages people to call their
medical facility in advance to notify the care team of any COVID-19 symptoms before visiting in person.
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About Mark Twain Medical Center
Founded in 1951, Mark Twain Medical Center is a 25-bed, critical access hospital providing inpatient acute care,
outpatient services and emergency services. The Medical Center’s Medical Staff represents a broad range of
specialties that ensure access to high quality medical care in a rural community. In addition to being a major
provider of health services, Mark Twain Medical Center is also one of the area’s largest employers. More than
300 people are employed at the hospital and its five Family Medical Centers. The Medical Center is a member of
Dignity Health and a part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the nation
dedicated to advancing health for all and serving communities in 21 states. For more information, please visit our
website at. Mark Twain Medical Center is also on Facebook.