LifeBridge Health Showcases Its Growing Center for Virtual Care During Telehealth Awareness Week
Baltimore – Telehealth isn’t the future—it’s how patients are receiving care today. As Telehealth Awareness Week (Sept. 14–20) comes to a close, LifeBridge Health is spotlighting the success of its Center for Virtual Care, which is rapidly changing the way patients connect with providers and manage their health.
Launched in July 2024, the Center for Virtual Care offers a full range of “virtual-first” clinics (a model of care where patients receive most of their care virtually) —from primary care and medical weight loss programs to a dedicated diabetes clinic—ensuring patients can access care conveniently from home, work or on the go.
Over the past year, use of these virtual clinics has grown dramatically, with visits more than doubling compared to the prior year.
In fiscal year 2025 alone, LifeBridge Health virtual programs completed more than 4,300 virtual visits. Patient access has also improved, with most patients able to secure appointments in days.
“Telehealth has become an essential part of how we deliver care,” says Staci Hodge, assistant vice president for the Center for Virtual Care. “Our Center reflects LifeBridge Health’s commitment to innovation and to meeting our patients where they are. Patients these days are very comfortable with technology and enjoy the easy access to our providers.”
The system’s digital health strategy extends beyond outpatient telehealth visits. The health system is on a journey to create “smart” hospitals too, leveraging technology to support its bedside care teams, patients and their families.
- Virtual Nursing: Smart technology in hospitals to support discharge, patient education and monitoring, aiming to reduce readmissions and enhance the patient experience. This started with the pilot project on Sinai Hospital’s Progressive Care Unit with a virtual nurse talking with patients via video screen to answer questions and work on documentation. This creates more time for bedside nurses to focus on direct patient care. The program has since expanded with all hospital rooms at Northwest Hospital having the technology to provide virtual care.
- Virtual Transition of Care: Along with virtual nursing, teams at Northwest Hospital are also using telemedicine to connect social workers and case managers with patients to coordinate the next steps in their care. Family members unable to be in a patient’s room can also be part of a virtual conversation, enhancing communication and coordination.
Remote nurses and advanced practice providers also connect with patients from Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital and Carroll Hospital after hospital discharge by phone, text or telemedicine, supporting safer recoveries at home. - New eVisit Platform: A fast, convenient option for patients with low-acuity conditions, such as cold, flu and certain skin conditions, now serving about 40 patients a month and growing.
- Virtual Care Hub: A centralized support system that helps primary care practices address inbox messages, provide same-day telemedicine visits and guide patients to needed specialists.
“We do not seek technology for technology’s sake. Rather we look to find technologies that will support our care teams and our patients while providing real value. We are excited to see how these innovations can optimize patient care, enhance the provider experience and strengthen outcomes,” says Tressa Springmann, chief information and digital officer at LifeBridge Health.
She adds, “Our Center for Virtual Care is part of larger health system strategy to ‘be digital,’ and these are examples of the very tools that are helping our clinicians advance care to benefit our patients and communities.”
As Telehealth Awareness Week highlights the importance of digital care nationwide, LifeBridge Health continues to expand access and convenience for patients while ensuring the same high-quality, personalized care that has long defined its mission.
To learn more about the Center for Virtual Health, go to: Virtual Care & Telemedicine Services | LifeBridge Health
Contact: Sharon Boston, 410-601-4350, lbhmedia@lifebridgehealth.org