HJAR May/Jun 2020

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  MAY / JUN 2020 49 simultaneously help divert that patient load from our overburdened ERs and hospitals. The focus is on evaluating the symptoms, treating the condition, and managing the pain each step of the way. Physicians and diagnosing medical staff handling Arkansans presenting with acute ureteral stones should facilitate entry into a stone care pathway. To expedite patients into the care portal, medical profession- als should have the following information ready: • Patient’s name and date of birth • Patient’s contact information • Knowledge of any blood thinner, includ- ing baby aspirin, taken by the patient • Synopsis of stone location and any per- tinent medical information • If available, a copy of the patient’s im- aging study report they may bring with them, the ER encounter note, or a disk with the patient’s imaging study at discharge Dr. Kevin Claybrook earned a medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medi- cine after receiving a bachelor’s degree in bio- chemistry from Indiana University. He joined Arkansas Urology in 2005 after completing a residency at the University of Missouri at Co- lumbia’s Division of Urology. Dr. Claybrook is certified by the American Board of Urology and is certified for robotic laparoscopic sur- gery. He is a member of the American Urolog- ical Association, the American Association of Clinical Urologists, Arkansas Medical Society, and Pulaski County Medical Society. Patients who are immobile or unable to move, have a BMI greater than 45, an un- stable cardiac or neurological history, or an infection with fever or evidence of sepsis may be excluded from an outpatient stone pathway, but can still be cared for in a tra- ditional hospital setting. Finally, for those kidney stone sufferers with imaging, there is treatment by tele- medicine. Telemedicine, or telehealth, is a doctor’s appointment by video, scheduled just as you would a traditional appointment. The recent changes approved for patient management allow us to connect with pa- tients through approved telemedicine pro- grams or applications on computer, tablet, or smartphone. This facilitates a patient’s entry into the care pathway, while the pa- tient can continue to practice social distanc- ing as much as possible. All physicians and providers yearn for a personal connection with patients. This crisis has put patient and community safety at the forefront of Kevin D. Claybrook, MD Arkansas Urology our concerns, and through telemedicine, we primarily aim to distribute specialized care, delivering first-rate consultations and treatment to far-flung corners of the state. Telemedicine is convenient for just about any follow-up or prescription consultation. At this time of historic need for medicine and medical practice excellence, specialty providers around the state are supporting our hospitals and frontline medical centers. This outbreak may feel like a surprise attack, but we are not unprepared. It’s all healthy hands on deck. n “At this time of historic need for medicine and medical practice excellence, specialty providers around the state are supporting our hospitals and frontline medical centers.”