Dr. Daniela Titchiner, a neonatologist at Atrium Health Levine Children’s, spends her days caring for babies born prematurely or with serious medical conditions. She’s also the mom of 3-year-old twin girls and receives long-term care for a chronic health condition. Needless to say, she has a full plate. When it comes to her health, Titchiner relies on Atrium Health virtual care to help her stay well, with appointments that accommodate her busy schedule.
Primary care appointments to fit any schedule
Each day, Titchiner heads to work around 6:30 a.m., and cares for her young patients until 4:30 or 5 p.m., making it difficult to fit in primary care visits during the workday. She also doesn’t want to miss out on time with her daughters in the evenings.
“I have a chronic medical condition that requires me to be on daily medications, but I need a prescription,” she says. “And I can't always go to the physician in person to get prescription refills.”
Titchiner has utilized virtual primary care services for nearly two years and loves that she can schedule appointments between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., right after her daughter’s bedtime.
“The ability to make an appointment after-hours is really convenient,” says Titchiner. “Life is hectic right now and having evening appointments available allows me to take that time to focus on myself and get the care I need when I need it.”
“Patients often choose virtual primary care for its convenience, flexibility and time-saving benefits,” says Lindsey Russell, FNP, a family nurse practitioner at Atrium Health Primary Care Family Medicine Virtual. “It eliminates travel and wait times, which is especially appealing for those with full schedules or limited access to care. Virtual care also allows for continuity and follow-up without disrupting work or family responsibilities.”
Titchiner meets with her primary care provider virtually every three to six months, allowing them to discuss and adjust her medications as needed. As a doctor and mom of little ones, she’s grateful for the chance to care for herself without missing out on time with her family and patients.
“Virtual primary care opens up the possibility of a health care professional being able to receive primary care without having to go somewhere and wait and take those extra steps,” says Titchiner. “I cannot tell you how many doctors and other health care workers who have not seen physicians themselves in a very long time. Having that availability helps ensure I can be treated for my chronic condition.”
Caring for caregivers
As a virtual primary care provider, Russell enjoys caring for other health care professionals.
“I approach health care professional patients with the same clinical thoroughness as any patient, while also being mindful of their medical knowledge and time constraints,” she says. “I offer collaborative decision-making, streamline communication and ensure privacy and professionalism, understanding that they may prefer concise, direct care and appreciate evidence-based rationale.”
Russell has noticed a trend of increased virtual primary care use among busy professionals, especially health care providers, educators and technology professionals.
“These patients value efficiency and often seek care outside of typical hours,” she says. “Many appreciate having a provider who understands the demands of their profession and can offer practical, flexible care.”
The future of virtual care is promising, says Russell.
“I expect to see more integration of asynchronous tools, AI-supported technology and customized platforms tailored for clinician users,” she says. “For health care professionals, virtual primary care can be a great option for both one-time needs and long-term care, making it easier for them to take care of themselves while also serving others.”
Learn more about virtual primary care at Atrium Health.
