Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Avel eCare
About Avel eCare
Who We Are and What We Do
What is Avel eCare?
Avel eCare is a nationally recognized Virtual Health System that connects healthcare organizations with experienced clinicians through technology. Since 1993, Avel has helped hospitals, clinics and other care teams expand access to clinical expertise, strengthen local care and improve patient outcomes.
What is a Virtual Health System?
A Virtual Health System brings healthcare professionals, clinical expertise and technology together to support care wherever patients need it. Unlike a traditional telehealth appointment, Avel eCare works directly with local healthcare teams, providing virtual clinical support that becomes an extension of their existing services.
Who can benefit from Avel eCare's services?
Avel eCare supports hospitals, critical access hospitals, rural healthcare facilities, clinics, emergency medical services, senior care communities, schools and other healthcare organizations. Our services are designed to help organizations expand access to care, address workforce challenges and support patients in their own communities.
What services does Avel eCare offer?
Avel eCare offers a range of virtual healthcare services, including Emergency, ICU, Hospitalist, Pharmacy, EMS, Behavioral Health, Crisis Care, Senior Care, School Health, Specialty Clinic and Inpatient Specialty Care. Each service connects local care teams with clinical expertise and support tailored to their needs.
How can Avel eCare help address healthcare staffing shortages?
Avel eCare helps healthcare organizations extend their clinical capabilities by providing access to experienced virtual physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. This support can help reduce the burden on local staff, fill gaps in specialty coverage and maintain access to care in communities facing workforce shortages.
How does Avel eCare work alongside our existing healthcare team?
Avel eCare clinicians collaborate with your onsite healthcare professionals to support patient care and clinical decision-making. Our virtual teams serve as an extension of your existing staff, providing additional expertise while keeping local providers closely involved in their patients’ care.
Services and Clinical Support
How Our Services Support Your Care Team
Are Avel eCare's services available 24/7?
Many Avel eCare services provide 24/7 clinical support, including Emergency, ICU, EMS and Pharmacy. Availability varies by service and partnership agreement. Our team can help you identify the coverage options that best meet your organization’s needs.
How quickly does an Avel eCare clinician respond when we request support?
Response times vary depending on the service and clinical need. Avel eCare offers real-time access to clinical support for time-sensitive situations, while other services may operate through scheduled consultations or established workflows. Our team will explain the expected response process for your selected services.
How does Avel eCare protect patient privacy and health information?
Protecting patient privacy is a priority at Avel eCare. We follow applicable patient privacy requirements, including HIPAA, and use secure technology and established confidentiality practices to safeguard protected health information. Our teams work with partner organizations to support secure communication and appropriate access to patient information.
How does Avel eCare ensure its clinicians meet state licensing and credentialing requirements?
Avel eCare has dedicated licensing and credentialing processes to help ensure clinicians meet applicable state and facility requirements. Our team coordinates provider information and works with partner facilities on credentialing, privileging and enrollment requirements before clinicians provide care.
Implementation and Technology
Bringing Virtual Care to Your Organization
What does the Avel eCare implementation process look like?
Avel eCare follows a four-step process: discovery, confirmation and setup, utilization, and ongoing support. We begin by understanding your organization’s needs, then work with your team to coordinate technology, establish clinical workflows and provide training. Once your service is live, our team remains available for ongoing support.
How long does it take to get started with Avel eCare?
Implementation timelines vary based on the services selected, your organization’s existing technology and any required setup or credentialing. Avel eCare’s implementation team works with you to develop a timeline and prepare your staff for a successful launch.
Can Avel eCare integrate with our existing workflows and electronic health records?
Yes. Avel eCare works with partner organizations to develop workflows that fit their clinical operations. Our technology supports integration capabilities, including electronic health record connectivity, although specific integrations depend on your existing systems and the services being implemented.
What technology or equipment do we need to use Avel eCare?
Technology requirements vary by service. Avel eCare uses eSync, our proprietary virtual care technology platform, to connect local healthcare teams with remote clinical experts. Depending on the service, your organization may need video-enabled equipment, secure software, cameras or other connected devices. Our implementation team will help determine the necessary technology and connectivity requirements and guide your team through setup.
Can we start with one Avel eCare service and add more later?
Yes. Avel eCare offers multiple services that can support different clinical and operational needs. Your organization can begin with the services that address its immediate priorities and explore additional options as those needs evolve.
What support does Avel eCare provide after implementation?
Our partnership continues after your service goes live. Avel eCare provides ongoing operational and technical support, along with educational resources and guidance to help your team use its services effectively. We also work with partners to identify opportunities to expand their virtual care capabilities.
Contact & Support
Getting Help and Addressing Concerns
How can I contact Avel eCare with a question or concern?
We’re here to help. If you have questions about our services, need assistance or have a concern about the care you received, please contact Avel eCare through our website or call (605) 606-0100. Our team is committed to addressing questions and concerns promptly and respectfully.
What should I do if my concern about care remains unresolved?
Avel eCare is committed to providing safe, high-quality care and working with you to resolve concerns. If your concern about patient safety or the quality of care remains unresolved, you may contact The Joint Commission to report concerns about care provided by an accredited healthcare organization. You do not need to resolve your concern with Avel eCare before contacting The Joint Commission.
To report a concern, visit https://www.jointcommission.org/en-us/contact-us/report-a-patient-safety-event or call 1-800-994-6610.