We Are Here For You: Akron Doctors Appear in National Video

AKRON, OH, June 19, 2020 -- Worried about long-term health consequences caused by social distancing and isolation, physicians at Pioneer Physicians Network joined doctors from more than 80 communities nationwide sounding the alarm to patients through a social media video: “Don’t neglect your health. Make a promise to reach out.” The video is being introduced as part of a national public service campaign -- www.wearehereforyou.us -- urging patients to resume critical healthcare services and allaying their fears of contracting the coronavirus.

Akron doctors teamed up with physicians from across the country and agilon health, an organization that champions the role of independent physicians, to create the ‘We are Here for You’ campaign encouraging patients to see their doctors now – before secondary symptoms arise or conditions worsen.

“We are trying to prevent a crisis within a crisis,” says Gary Pinta, MD, President of Pioneer Physicians Network, who appears in the national campaign video. “Although seniors are at a heightened risk of contracting Coronavirus, non-COVID19 care should not be overlooked – especially for the elderly and patients with underlying health conditions.”

History has proven this can happen. During the SARS outbreak in 2002-2004, hospitalizations for diabetic patients plummeted and then skyrocketed afterwards, according to research by two universities in Taiwan and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Medicine. A recent ProPublica article indicates that a rise in at-home deaths may be due to patients with conditions such as heart attacks being unable or unwilling to go to a hospital during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Pandemics change the way society functions” admits Dr. Pinta. “In the midst of a crisis, there are opportunities to improve and innovate. Our practice has experienced a telehealth transformation. Since mid-March we ramped up virtual visits with senior patients so we are able to review their physical conditions and living situations –and better address any concerns or needs.”

The “We are Here for you” website features content about “telehealth on demand,” virtual annual wellness visits, drive-in telemedicine in parking lots, COVID-19 testing in parking lots and tents, and staggered clinic appointments for patients with Coronavirus symptoms and those with other healthcare needs.

“Primary care physicians went to medical school to take care of patients,” says Dr. Pinta. “We want patients to know we are here for them and we won’t let them down.”