HEALTH
As COVID-19 made its way through the region, both
On March 31, St. Lucie County commissioners approved a
stay-at-home order for residents that lasted approximately six
weeks. They encouraged residents to shelter in place in order
to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For safety purposes, elective surgeries and diagnostic procedures
14
Port St. Lucie Medical Report
PANDEMIC
PRECAUTIONS
elected officials and healthcare centers took the
necessary steps to ensure that not only their patients
were safe, but their staffs and livelihoods as well.
were postponed. Fortunately, medical practitioners
have been able to carry out appointments via telehealth even
during the initial stay-at-home order phase.
“Although I specialize in rheumatology, when COVID affected
our area at the end of March, I reached out to the infectious
disease specialist in the area, Dr. Moti Ramgopal,” Lindsey
R. Porth, FNP-BC Rheumatology said. “As rheumatology
patients are often immunocompromised, I was concerned
about their health and safety. Dr. Ramgopal recommended
that I begin strictly treating these patients via telehealth.”
Once the stay-at-home order was lifted, Porth’s office >>
Port St. Lucie Magazine
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
With the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, more healthcare facilities are utilizing telehealth internet calls for appointments.
BY RACHEL CUCCURULLO
Medical centers, practitioners are relying
more on telemedicine calls to care for patients