Athletico Physical Therapy Taps into Telehealth Technology to Offer Patients Virtual Free Assessments

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Jan 22, 2019, 11:00 ET

CHICAGO, Jan. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- When pain strikes, the person affected quickly wants to know the reason and remedy. Understanding their patients' needs, Athletico Physical Therapy has launched a new offering where clinicians can quickly connect with patients through telehealth technology. Athletico is among the first in the outpatient physical therapy space to offer virtual appointments where patients can connect with trusted medical experts through a live internet video feed.

Pain and injuries are never planned, but now taking the first step toward recovery is more convenient than ever. We are now offering virtual free assessments, allowing you to have your condition assessed from the comfort of your own home through a secure online video chat.

Using a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera, patients can directly connect with an Athletico clinician for a free, 30-minute assessment. During the free assessment, the clinician will carefully evaluate the patient's issue and recommend the best course of care. Depending on the severity of injury, the clinician may schedule the patient for a follow-up evaluation at an Athletico clinic or refer them to a local physician for advanced treatment. For urgent matters, the clinician would direct the patient to a nearby emergency room.

"Many people who suffer from an injury put off scheduling an appointment with a clinician because they are simply too busy, and as a result, the pain lingers much longer than it has to," said Mark Kaufman, President and CEO of Athletico. "Along with offering evening and weekend appointments, virtual free assessments are another example of how Athletico is consistently looking for ways to improve access to physical therapy and help patients get started on their recovery journey quickly."

Athletico clinicians will provide the virtual free assessments on Monday-Friday from 7a.m. to 8 p.m. CT and Saturday- Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT. Patients will be able to schedule an assessment by visiting www.athletico.com and by clicking on www.athletico.com/VirtualFreeAssessment.

Athletico has partnered with Mend, a telehealth leader, to provide the new offering. Mend will provide the technology interface where patients communicate with Athletico clinicians with just a few taps. The company brings its communication and engagement platform services to countless health care providers across the United States.

"Telehealth technology makes it easier than ever for patients to receive care from wherever they are, and Athletico's patient-centric philosophy is a perfect fit with the Mend solution," said Matt McBride, CEO of Mend. "Our partners continue to validate the benefits of telehealth because it drives patient engagement, while saving patients time and money."

For more information about Athletico's telehealth offering or to schedule a virtual free assessment, visit www.athletico.com.

About Athletico Physical Therapy
Athletico Physical Therapy provides the highest quality orthopedic rehabilitation services to communities, employers and athletes in over 450 locations throughout twelve states with more than 4500 employees. Athletico is committed to our patients and referring physicians through our patient-centric focus, positive work environment, attention to quality and high standard of care. Athletico measures patient outcomes and satisfaction and is dedicated to continuous improvement. Athletico was named #1 Workplace in Chicago, "Best Physical Therapy Practice in the Nation" by ADVANCE magazine, Top Workplace in the Nation and has been recognized as a leader in employee volunteering and charitable giving. Our services include physical and occupational/hand therapy, workers' compensation, women's health therapy, concussion management and athletic training. For more information, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit www.athletico.com and follow us on Twitter at @athletico.