How a virtual doctor visit helped save a life

Fear of COVID-19 is delaying critical care.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports are showing large number of cases of sudden cardiac death due to patient fear of going to hospitals or seeking care. It is imperative for us to continue to take care of patients at risk who may delay their care in fear of coronavirus exposure.

If you or a family member have signs of a heart attack or stroke, don’t delay care. Please call 911 or go to the emergency room. Our hospitals have measures to protect you from infection.

If it’s not an emergency, virtual visits are a great option now. We quickly expanded virtual visits at the start of the pandemic to continue to provide care for everyone, especially the vulnerable.

With the help of a virtual visit, we saved another life.

A patient of mine had a couple of fainting spells. He consulted with me via a virtual visit. He was deemed high risk for sudden cardiac death. That’s how we knew he needed to go to the hospital. With the assistance of my fellow in-training, an electrophysiology study test was performed. His heart stopped, indicating he needed the life-saving implantable defibrillator surgery. It was done immediately. He left same day safely back to his family knowing that his heart and life are protected.

I am very grateful to my amazing team and to the leadership of Advocate Aurora Heath organization which has worked hard to keep staff and community safe.

Care must go on. Saving lives must go on.

Dr. Mohamed Djelmami-Hani is a board-certified cardiologist with Aurora Health Care specializing in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, such as slow and fast heart beat, dizziness and fainting. Dr. Hani has special training in clinical cardiac electrophysiology, and in advanced and complex procedures, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia ablation.

To get virtual care from anywhere, check out our video visit or e-visit options, available 24/7. Plus, with the new LiveWell mobile app, you easily access virtual care for you and your loved ones, from the palm of your hand. Download LiveWell from the App Store or Google Play store today.