As our Polk County community begins to repair and restore from the effects of Hurricane Irma this week, Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center and Lake Wales Medical Center are offering free telehealth visits on Virtual Health Connect to help area residents get non-emergency medical care. The free telehealth visits are available through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2017 on any mobile device, computer or tablet.

Virtual Health Connect provides on demand, live access to physicians and nurse practitioners at any time, but may be particularly helpful as members of the community are coping with the impact of rain, winds and flooding. The clinicians can help counsel individuals and families in their time of need with this quick and convenient program.

"The Polk County community is resilient and already working hard to clean up and to get their lives back to normal. This week, however, many physician practices are closed and traveling to your physician's office or an urgent care clinic might be difficult," said Ann Barnhart, Market CEO for Heart of Florida and Lake Wales Medical Center. "Making it more convenient to talk with a clinician about your or your loved ones' medical needs is one way we can lend a hand to those who've been impacted by the storm."

Access to free virtual visits on Virtual Health Connect can be done through an internet connection on any mobile device, tablet or desktop by visiting this link. At the time of visit, patients can enter coupon code IRMA to have their visit free of charge.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Virtual Health Connect is intended for patients who have an urgent need to see a physician for minor health concerns like sinus problems, fever, ear infections, cold and flu symptoms, allergies, migraines, stomach pain, and much more. The doctor will evaluate and diagnose the patient, and if feasible and appropriate, send prescriptions to the pharmacy--just like an in-office doctor's appointment.

About Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center
Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center believes in providing quality, compassionate health care to the communities it serves. As a 193-bed acute care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission and an accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society for Cardiovascular Patient Care, Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center puts quality health care front and center. For outpatient services, the hospital offers outpatient imaging, rehabilitation, laboratory services and an award-winning wound care center. Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center is associated with two urgent care centers, an occupational health program, an ambulatory surgery center and an employed physician group to better serve its community. To learn more about inpatient or outpatient services, community education, or to find a physician, visit www.HeartOfFlorida.com or call 866-997-DOCS. Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.