HealthyLife Articles

Tag: virtual

  • Telehealth: What To Know

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Phone and stethoscope.

    Telehealth or telemedicine uses video calls or other technology to help you see your doctor. This allows you to have medical appointments from home instead of going to the doctor’s office.

    Getting ready

    If you want to use telehealth, but don’t know how, contact your doctor’s office. Different doctors and hospitals use different apps and technology for their telemedicine appointments. Ask them for instructions on how to get set up.

    Before your appointment, check with your insurance company about coverage for telehealth appointments. Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor so you’ll be sure to cover everything.

    If you need help

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask a tech-savvy friend or family member to help. Usually, you only need:

    1.  A strong internet connection. Your connection needs to be fast enough for video chats.

    2.  A smartphone, tablet or computer that connects to your wi-fi and has a working microphone, speaker and camera. Most newer devices have all of these built in.

    Telehealth can be a safe and convenient way to have your medical appointments. Don’t be intimidated by technology. With a little help, you can be up and running – and it may become your favorite way to have your doctor visits!

    Source: National Institutes on Aging

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Telemedicine: Pros & Cons

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Doctor smilng and waving Hi while on a telemedicine call.

    For some people, seeing their doctor from the comfort of their own home has made accessing care easier. But, for others, the lack of in-person care makes managing their health difficult.

    Telemedicine is unlikely to go away. As a patient, you need to know how to get the most out of virtual visits and when an in-person visit might be the way to go.

    Pros of telemedicine

    *  Fast and flexible access to care

    *  Decreased exposure to other ill patients

    *  No need to leave home when dealing with a minor illness or concern

    *  Less time spent driving

    *  Ease of follow-up for existing health issues

    *  Less time lost at work

    Cons of telemedicine

    *  Insurance may not cover video visits; check your plan carefully

    *  Not everyone has access to technology

    *  Diagnosing a new condition may not be possible over video

    *  Challenges in monitoring vital signs, like blood pressure, etc.

    *  Loss of meaningful relationship with healthcare providers

    *  Important symptoms may get missed

    Get the most from telemedicine

    *  Check your technology set-up in advance.

    *  Keep your doctor’s phone number handy in case you get disconnected.

    *  Write down a list of symptoms and questions.

    *  Write down measurements your doctor may need (height, weight, blood pressure, etc.).

    *  Have your medication list on-hand.

    *  Choose a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted.

    *  Be on time.

    *  If your doctor recommends any tests or follow-ups, make those appointments right away.

    When in-person is best

    Not every situation is right for a telemedicine visit. Here are times when in-person may be recommended:

    *  Pediatric visits

    *  Emergency situations

    *  Yearly physicals

    *  Situations where a physical exam is needed

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine