Greenville Health System Provides SmartExam Telecare

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The patients of Greenville Health System are now able to access care via computer, smartphone or tablet this month as the health system rolls out its new telecare system. The system not only allows patients access to their information, but it also allows patients with minor illnesses such as bladder infections, sore throats, ear pain or sinus infections to be examined through SmartExam, the hospital’s telemedicine portal.

Although the patients will not be receiving care at the hospital, they will still be able to receive a thorough exam to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. SmartExam asks the patient specific questions, based on his or her condition and adapts the follow-up questions based on his or her response. Some of the exams require a patient to upload photographs to help with the diagnosis.

The diagnosis will be provided by a health care professional that reviews the information given by the patient and decides on the course of action, which can include a follow-up visit or a prescription being sent to the patient’s pharmacy, according to Greenville Health System. The patient will have to pay a $20 consultation fee for the exam, but will receive a diagnosis within an hour and will be able to bypass the doctor’s office all together, making it easier to work around family and work obligations.

The SmartExam system also takes into account the age of the patient when directing information to a provider. Service for children between the ages of three months and 18 years will be directed to a professional who specializes in pediatrics. Those who describe severe symptoms will be asked for contact information for a follow-up call from a nurse and a potential face-to-face appointment with a doctor.

Patients will be able to use SmartExam by logging into the Greenville Health System website or by using their GHS MyChart app. The service will be available 24/7, with responses between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.