Dr. Melissa Rosato was used to caring for patients in person, but when the COVID-19 pandemic caused a shutdown, her work experience changed. Oak Street Health pivoted to mostly providing services for its patients via telehealth, keeping its centers such as the one at 2311 Cottman Ave. open only for patients who need to come in.
“[Telehealth] is a brand-new service Oak Street is offering,” said Rosato, who has worked at the center since it opened last year.
The healthcare provider specializing in care for older adults has 57 locations across multiple states. There had been plans to get a telehealth service up and running in the future, but when the pandemic hit, they were able to get it run smoothly much quicker than anticipated.
“We’re able to offer the same thoroughness and medical care through telehealth services as we would in person,” Dr. Rosato said. She added that getting vital reads was limited due to patients not having the proper equipment.
For cases that require vitals monitoring, Oak Street developed a delivery program to bring self-monitoring equipment to the patients’ door. Since the program started over a month ago, they’ve brought more than 50 patients the equipment, said Regional Vice President Brandon Hollar.
They weren’t just delivering equipment. Near the beginning of the pandemic, Oak Street was able to identify elderly patients who couldn’t risk leaving their homes to get food. They partnered with food pantries such as Living Word Church in Holmesburg and Catholic Social Services in Tacony to deliver food to patients in need and leave it on their doorsteps. By the end of May, they’ll have made 2,400 deliveries across all locations.
“It’s kind of like Uber Eats but in an Oak Street Health van,” Hollar said.
During the pandemic, Oak Street has been conducting proactive wellness checks by calling patients and making sure they are well.
Working from home was an adjustment for Rosato, who doesn’t miss the commute but does encourage people to continue to stay home and social distance. She advised people to wear masks, wash their hands often and if they do wear gloves, replace them often.
Hollar said that while it’s important to stay inside, you shouldn’t forgo necessary care.
“We’ve seen improvements in the infection rate across the community, and that’s a testament to all frontline health workers,” Hollar said. “It’s important right now to stay adhering to your care plan.”
Oak Street Health’s Roosevelt Mall location can be reached by calling 215-392-9699. It has seven other locations in the Philadelphia area, including at 3621 Aramingo Ave. in Port Richmond. Visit OakStreetHealth.com.
