Too busy for an office appointment? No transportation to get to the doctor’s office? Maybe it’s time to try the newest trend in health care: videoconferencing with a doctor.
We trust our computers, tablets and smartphones for everything else, so why not health care? Connecting by videoconference allows a doctor to visually assess your condition and talk through treatment options. For example, telehealth appointments can be helpful for skin rashes, a stuffy nose or an earache.
For everyday health questions and follow-up checks, telemedicine offers a simple — and often inexpensive — solution. Some employers offer them as a benefit; medical practices staff on-call doctors; and telehealth companies offer on-demand access. More and more insurance companies cover them.
Here are four ways to ensure a successful telehealth visit:
1. Choose wisely.
Does your employer, insurance plan or health clinic offer a telehealth service? Then your decision is made for you. If not, do an Internet search for “top telehealth companies” and compare options. Talk to friends for their recommendations, too. Then go to your phone’s app store and download the telehealth company app on your phone or tablet. If you don’t have a device with a camera or Internet access, you can usually do a simple telephone appointment. Take time to register with the company, test out your technical connection and get set up on their program so you’re ready when you need it.
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2. Plan your approach.
Think about what you want to accomplish during the visit: Understanding your medications or treatment options? Renewing a prescription? Getting help for a specific medical condition or set of symptoms? Try to prioritize what’s most important for you during the call, as time may be limited.
Just like in a doctor’s office, many telehealth programs will have you talk with a nurse or medical assistant before connecting you to a doctor, in order to take down preliminary details such as:
— Basic symptoms prompting the appointment.
— Medical history, including chronic conditions.
— Prescription and over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements you use, including vitamins.
— Your pharmacy phone number and address.
— Your primary doctor’s name and contact info.
— Insurance or credit card information.
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3. Set the scene.
Find a quiet, private place to talk — away from children, pets and other distractions. Make sure you can be there for 30 minutes or so — you’ll likely talk with an appointment assistant first, then wait a few minutes for the doctor to call back. Most actual appointments last about 15 minutes. Charge or plug in your phone or computer; get some paper and a pen for taking notes. Gather medical equipment such as a thermometer, asthma inhaler or peak flow meter, if appropriate. If you use an app or electronic device like a peak flow meter to track symptoms daily, gather your data to have it close at hand.
4. Talk it through.
Your conversation with the doctor will be much like an in-person appointment. Write down what you want to discuss before you start, to make sure you cover everything. Be prepared to answer these questions:
— What prompted this appointment today?
— What symptoms do you have? How long have they been going on, and how have they developed and changed over time?
— What have you done to treat them so far? What are the results from treatment?
— Have you ever had these symptoms before? What treatments did you use and what were the results?
Most telehealth providers will email patient assessment and instructions after the visit is completed, but it’s also wise to write them down, then confirm before hanging up, to make sure you understand everything.
While modern technology is wonderful, it’s important to note that in emergency situations where timing is critical, nothing can replace in-person treatment. It is possible small nuances could be missed over a smartphone, tablet or laptop by even the best physicians.
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If your symptoms don’t improve, you feel worse or your telehealth doctor advises you that emergency care is needed, do not delay seeking treatment.
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4 Steps for a Successful Telehealth Appointment originally appeared on usnews.com
