Why Telehealth is Important to You

Telehealth, sometimes called telemedicine, can be an important tool to improve or maintain your health.

While sometimes you do need to be seen by a doctor in person, telehealth can help you “see” or talk to a doctor without traveling to the doctor’s office as well as allow you to “see” needed specialists, either from home, or from your doctor’s office. This is very helpful if you have mobility or transportation challenges, or if there is a shortage of specialists in your area.

You can have a telehealth visit using your computer, tablet, or smartphone, or in some cases, a landline or flip phone.

Telehealth is safe, private and is often covered by your insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare.

Different Ways to Use Telehealth:

  1. A telehealth “visit” is talking to your health care provider using a secure video chat in a manner similar to how you might chat with your family. If you are unable to do a video chat, sometimes a doctor will talk with you on the phone instead.  Some types of health issues, such as an annual exam, do require you to see the doctor in person, but there are many ways to get quality health care through telehealth, for example:
    • Follow-up appointments to review test scores;
    • Appointments with your therapist or psychiatrist;
    • Appointments to have bloodwork or imaging tests ordered and to get the results;
    • Appointments to treat and manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure; and
    • Appointments to renew or discuss your medications
  1. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is where you measure and share health data with your provider on a daily basis, using medical devices such as blood pressure cuffs or glucometers. This can be very helpful if you have a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. RPM may be available through your doctor’s office, home care agency, or managed care company. In some areas, you can pay privately for the service. RPM helps you by recognizing changes in your health on a and notifying a telehealth nurse, allowing for earlier helpful interventions that may prevent ER visits or hospitalizations.
  2. Patient Portals. You can send and get messages from your health care provider through your patient portal. This is a convenient way to get answers to questions about your health or medications, make appointments, see test results and visit summaries. Many providers now offer patient portals. For access, you will need to
  3. Set up a free account. A password is used so that all of your information is private and secure. If you don’t know how to access your patient portal, talk with your doctor’s office for information. Click here for more information about patient portals.
  4. Mobile Health, also called mhealth, includes “smart” devices such as smart watches, or wearables that continuously monitor your health and apps for your phone or computer that can help you manage your health or medications. There are also apps that can help manage mental or behavioral health.  Users should be aware that many apps are not private or secure and may sell your private health information.

Pros and Cons of Telehealth

Pros

  • It keeps you and others from getting sick by limiting exposure to dangerous germs, such as the flu.

  • You can see your doctor from anywhere, saving time, travel expenses and other costs, including babysitting fees or time off from work.

  • May prevent unneeded ER or urgent care visits.

  • Improves your access to health care – gives you more choices.

  • May help you manage your health or chronic condition.

  • May help you manage your prescriptions and medications.

  • May be more private than a doctor’s or therapist’s office. Telehealth has become a viable option for patients with mental health concerns or substance-use disorder (SUD), helping to reduce the stigma linked with obtaining treatment, making care more accessible.

Cons

  • Not appropriate for all situations, especially for critical and urgent health concerns.

  • No physical exam.

  • Technical glitches such as lack of signal.

  • May not be your usual doctor or nurse.

How to Book a Telehealth Appointment

  • Ask your current doctors whether they offer telehealth care, if they don’t ask if they can recommend a doctor or medical practice that offers telehealth.  Sometimes different doctors within the same practice may offer telehealth visits.
  • If you use a care provider portal, see if telehealth visits are offered as an option.  Frequently, there is less of a waiting time than for in person visits.
  • Check with your insurance provider about telehealth options and ask if there is a co-pay. Many insurance companies are now covering telehealth 100%.
  • Find a local health center that may offer telehealth services regardless of ability to pay.

How to Get Started Once You Have an Appointment

  • If you need it, get help. Many doctors’ offices have someone that can help you get your phone or laptop ready for a video call.  They may send you instructions and a link to a website before your first visit. Family members can usually help too (especially the younger ones).
  • Fill out any needed forms (such as consent) before the visit.
  • You will need a device with video capability, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Make sure it is charged in advance of the call. If you don’t have this capability, some doctors may agree to a phone call appointment or secure messages through a patient portal.
  • You will need a stable internet or cell connection for video chats.
  • Choose a quiet, private location in your home and wait for the doctor to call you at the appointed time.
  • Have all your medical information handy, including medication.
  • Make a list of questions or concerns for your doctor, just as you might if you were in his office.