Dr. James Barahal from Hawaii Pacific Health joined the COVID-19 Care Conversation to share updates on how healthcare professionals are meeting the needs of patients.

Barahal said that it is true that clinics and hospitals are seeing an increase in activity now that elective procedures are allowed, but that it is still a slow opening. He urged individuals in need of health care not to wait on reconnecting with their doctors.

Those who are unable to make an appointment with their primary care physician can utilize the Straub Virtual Urgent Care. Barahal shared that the new virtual system, which is HIPAA compliant, allows patients to call a local number and be seen by a local physician within minutes. Services provided include physician consultation, diagnosis, treatment, and prescription refills for a broad range of non-emergency conditions.

Barahal said that telemedicine has shifted dramatically, increasing physician capabilities to assist patients. The Straub Virtual Urgent Care is able to provide access to convenient, high-quality health care while at home during the present pandemic, without the need to make an appointment.

He explained that some emergencies have occured because people waited too long to get help. “Help is available. Don’t wait.” Dr. Barahal said. “Trust us. We are part of the community. Let’s make sure a health problem that could easily be taken care of, doesn’t turn into something serious,” he added.

Patients in need can call the Straub Virtual Urgent Care at 808-971-6000, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

Watch here and comment through our Facebook page. Join us Thursday when Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto will be our guest.

The COVID-19 Care Conversation, sponsored by Hawai’i Executive Collaborative and Hawaii Pacific Health, airs live every weekday at 10:30 a.m. on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Facebook page. Yunji de Nies and Ryan Kalei Tsuji discuss the latest news, resources and community concerns about the coronavirus outbreak in Hawaii.