Local clinic uses telehealth technology to remain open during pandemic

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT)–COVID-19 has had health professionals working longer hours not only in hospitals, but in clinics as well.

The St. Clare Health Mission free clinic in La Crosse faced a tough decision whether or not to stay open during COVID-19.

But they decided to stay open, doing visits digitally with telehealth services.

When they couldn’t see a patient over the phone, they saw them in person on a case by case basis.

The clinic serves many patients with chronic illnesses, and that was a driving force to keep the clinic’s doors open.

“We really just wanted to ensure that our patient service was uninterrupted. So the worst thing you would see with patients with chronic conditions is that we wouldn’t be able to provide medications for a month or two, or they’re not able to be seen. So we though the best decision was to remain open and ensure our patients have a place to come,” said Jason Larsen, the clinic’s Executive Director.

The clinic receives help from both local health systems, and they say it would be impossible to stay open without it.

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