BATH, NY (WENY) -- When you walk into a bank, you might withdraw money or make a deposit. But now, thanks to the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Five Star Bank in Bath, you can receive telehealth services.

"When I think about rural communities and I think about trusted institutions in those communities, banks come up first [on] my list. When we looked out into the communities [where] we have patients that we serve at U of R Medicine, we saw gaps [in] areas where there wasn't [widespread] access to primary care practices or urgent care practices. We wanted to reach those patients and reach those communities...We want to make sure we can deliver high-quality care out into the Bath community and this is a first step in that direction of creating new access points," said Chief Digital Health Officer for URMC, Michael Hasselberg, PhD.

URMC and the Five Star Bank in Bath have teamed up to help expand healthcare access to rural communities. On the second floor of the Five Star Bank, is a virtual telehealth station. It can take your blood pressure, check your weight, and give you quick tips to manage your heart health for free. You can also meet with a doctor virtually, which would require payment, and/or use of insurance.

"[With] just a couple of clicks, you will be connected to a University of Rochester primary care provider who will be available for you to treat any real urgent care needs. We're right in the middle of kind of a respiratory season with flu, RSV, and even COVID symptoms and you can get that care right here, virtually," said Hasselberg.

Reid Whiting, the Chief Banking Officer for Five Star Banks said having a virtual telehealth station is a convenient way for people to get access to healthcare.

"They can come here, check in on themselves, and see how they're doing. Should they have any concerns, they'll be able to meet with a healthcare provider. If there is something where they need to travel or meet with a specialist, this gateway will provide them with the ability to do so, without necessarily wasting their time," said Whiting.

The virtual health station is based on a first-come, first-served basis. The hours for the virtual telehealth station can be found below.

Monday through Thursday -- 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Friday -- 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday -- 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Five Star Bank in Bath wasn't the only location to receive a virtual telehealth station. The other two locations are:

  • 2168 North Street, NY-96A, Ovid, NY 14521
  • 1 South Main Street, Wayland, NY 14572