Community Health Network leaders thank Senator Todd Young for support of telehealth services as plans are made to expand virtual visits for patients

Indianapolis—Community Health Network leaders expressed their appreciation for Senator Todd Young (R-IN) and his support of telehealth services as plans are made to expand virtual visits for patients. Senator Young visited Community Hospital North Tuesday to personally thank frontline caregivers for their work in the battle against COVID-19. The Senator met with a group of nurses and a physician from the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit to hear about their experience with the pandemic.

Senator Young also met with Community leaders to discuss a change in healthcare as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Telehealth has seen a surge during the past few months at Community. Virtual visits have allowed healthcare professionals to treat patients remotely, keeping them safe from exposure to COVID-19. Senator Young talked about the importance of this treatment option and keeping it available, especially for behavioral health patients. The Senator recently co-sponsored a bill to expand mental telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries.

Community Hospital North was recently awarded an FCC grant of $872,363 to expand telehealth services. All areas of the network that utilize telehealth services will benefit from the grant. Behavioral Health Services will be able to utilize Zoom for group therapy through these funds. Patients will be able to remotely video chat with their doctor while in the hospital. The virtual platform will also allow patients who are visitor restricted to include family members in provider consultations while they’re in the hospital.