#PremiseCares: National Virtual Health Provider Saves Members’ Lives

Even if they don’t have access to a brick-and-mortar location, Premise Health’s Digital Wellness Center offers members across the country 24/7 access to a Premise provider via their mobile device or the web. Dr. Rita Beckford is a Premise provider on the centralized Digital Wellness Center care team who has been making a big difference in the lives of our members.

Recently, Dr. Beckford triaged a 30-year-old brand new member with a six-hour history of progressively worsening abdominal pain and feeling of dizziness. During their virtual visit, Dr. Beckford convinced the member to go straight to the emergency department, which was fortunately only five minutes away. The member’s husband drove her there and she was admitted, diagnosed with acute appendicitis, and underwent surgery. The member is now on her way to recovery thanks to Dr. Beckford’s care.

Another example of Dr. Beckford providing life-saving access to care was when a 23-year-old member scheduled a virtual appointment complaining of a headache and blurry, weakened vision. Dr. Beckford quickly diagnosed the member with an acute TIA, or mini stroke, and asked him to seek emergency care. The member’s father was home and able to take him to the hospital where he was admitted to the neurosurgery unit. The member received specialized treatment and after three days in the hospital, was completely relieved of all symptoms. This was the member’s second TIA, but he was new to the area and did not yet have an established neurologist or primary care provider. Thanks to Dr. Beckford and 24/7 access to Premise’s Digital Wellness Center, the member had access to high-quality care at his fingertips.

Thank you, Dr. Beckford, for taking care of all our members across the country.