STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Dr. Susanne Choby was in the middle of setting up her private psychiatry practice when the coronavirus tightened its grip on the Wood River Valley, sending life hurtling into an eerie sort-of Twilight Zone.
She spent the past week hastening to set up a secure network, electronic records and electronic prescribing so she could prescribe medications electronically for those who need them.
“To my knowledge I am the only psychiatrist seeing patients in this region during the pandemic,” said Choby who was psychiatrist at St. Luke’s Wood River Mental Health Clinic until a month ago. Many therapists are seeing people but no prescribing psychiatrists.”
Choby’s private practice is up and running on a virtual platform. She’s doing secure video telehealth appointments for those needing to access psychiatric care and psychiatric medication management form their homes.
“I am seeing people for reduced rates to help ease the financial component. Many are struggling financially and I want to be of service, not making things worse for people,” she said.
Those who need help can call 208-298-9966. The email is https://www.psymedicagroup.com
THE NUMBERS:
The cases of coronavirus in Idaho climbed to 323 on Sunday from 267 the day before. It was just two days ago that the state passed 200 cases.
Blaine County added one case for 115 cases since the first was announced on March 14.
Ada County is fast catching up with 113 cases.
BLAINE SCHOOLS TO CONSIDER DISTANCE LEARNING:
The Blaine County School Board will meet at 5:30 tonight to consider how to conduct distance learning while schools remain closed. The meeting will be conducted via Webex. The link for those wishing to attend:
https://blaineschools.webex.com/blaineschools/onstage/g.php?MTID=e0b1046a903e032a261e822a696e4b987
The password is 1212.
Audio only is: 1-408-418-9388. The access code: 963-271-274.
Boise and Twin Falls students will begin online learning today and Nampa students on Tuesday. Students in West Ada School District will start remote learning on April 13.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Las Vegas has suspended the business licenses of more than a dozen businesses, including liquor establishments, car washes and a gym, for defying a government-ordered shutdown.
Glacier, Arches and Canyonlands national parks have closed, joining Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Teton national parks. Authorities say Arches National Park was getting 700 cars a day despite pleas for social distancing.