Lehigh Valley Health Network is temporarily closing 150 Lehigh Valley Physician Group practice locations because of COVID-19, resulting in 900 furloughs.

Dr. Michael Rossi, president of LVPG, says reduced in-person office visits is the reason for the furloughs.

The health network has already made significant changes to hospital visitation policies, employee temperature screenings, reduced ambulatory surgeries, diagnostic testing and other ambulatory services. “Now, Lehigh Valley Physician Group, our physician practice, is adapting to keep everyone safe and continue to ensure they get the care they need when they need it,” Rossi said.

Rossi says the group is reducing in-person visits to offices and increasing virtual care services. Rossi says LVPG is making changes to assure its patients can be seen safely, and that caregivers are available to help with the expected increase in COVID-19 patients.

“Health network officials acknowledge the ongoing battle to protect the health and safety of patients, caregivers and the community, as well as preserve LVHN for when we are on the other side of this crisis,” the network said in a news release.

“We need to take care of as many patients as possible during this pandemic, while making certain we are prepared for the future when this is over,” said Brian Nester, LVHN’s president and chief executive officer.

“We want to assure those affected and our community that this is temporary - these are furloughs and not layoffs, meaning those affected will retain their benefits. Some will be redeployed as needed and appropriate,” Rossi said.

“All patients will continue to have access to LVPG physicians and can choose how they wish to interact with that physician - electronically or in person,” Rossi said.

“We can now provide a large volume of video visits, meaning we can see patients via their cellphone, tablet or laptop. Local LVPG providers, with access to your comprehensive medical record will provide this care.”

Rossi says patients can count on their doctor remaining available via phone and the MyLVHN app. When the situation calls for a face-to-face visit, the appropriate LVPG provider will see them.

Patients will be notified through MyLVHN, email, on LVHN.org and letters so patients know what is happening with their specific practice.

“This unprecedented pandemic has greatly changed our everyday life.” Nester said. “For LVHN and LVPG, we are making aggressive daily adjustments to ensure our community maintains access to the high-quality care they expect and deserve - especially during this crisis. The safety and health of our colleagues and community members drives our every action and we are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure that LVHN remains strong during this pandemic and that our citizens will be able to rely on us for their care long after COVID-19 is gone.”