Telemedicine is the telenovela of the COVID-19 era - entertaining, informative and a bit overwhelming. Since shelter-in-place and social distancing orders have made office visits difficult, doctors, hospitals and clinics have turned to video chats and phone calls for medical matters that don't demand hands-on care. Medicare is allowing everyone to use telemedicine - a new move that seniors are welcoming, since it means they can stay out of potentially infectious environments. And insurance companies have accepted the new normal. Clearly, patients are onboard with the system: The Cleveland Clinic health system in Ohio and Florida logged around 60,000 telemedicine visits in March - up from a usual monthly average of 3,400!
Doctors are embracing telemedicine more enthusiastically, too, since government and private insurers have increased the payment for telemedicine visits. In addition, doctors can virtually practice across state lines during the pandemic to treat Medicare patients (and, in some instances, other patients), even if not licensed in the patient's state. So, for example, New York City snowbirds stuck in Florida can have an appointment with their regular doc online, no hassles, rather than return to a hot spot.
To stay up with all the news concerning telemedicine, check out daily updates at The National Telehealth Policy Resource Center, at the Center for Connected Health Policy; go online to www.cchpca.org/resources/covid-19-telehealth-coverage-policies.
How It Works and What to Watch Out For
Using your phone, a tablet or a computer, you can dial in directly, open an app, go to a website or use a third-party teleconference service to begin a video chat. You'll be connected in real time to your doctor to discuss things like that rash on your arm - hold it up to the camera lens - your sore throat, sinus infection, fever, that mole on your back or whether or not the dry cough you have is a symptom of COVID-19. What it can't do is treat an injury or give you a blood test.
Most sessions are covered, although it's smart to check with your insurance company first. If you don't have insurance, there are companies such as MDLive that offer an urgent care telemedicine session for less than $90. If you doctor doesn't have a telemedicine set up, Sharecare can help. Text the physician's name, city and phone number to 917-993-5487 so the company can offer a comprehensive HIPAA-compliant solution free through Sept. 1.
If you're going to give it a try, you want to make sure you have prepared for the appointment and the room you're in provides the best environment for good communication:
- The room should be well-lit, so your doc can see you, and have no background noise, like a radio, TV or other people talking.
- Write down your questions for the doctor and have pen and paper handy to take notes. Your backup person, someone who would go with you on an in-office visit, can join, too.
- If you're talking about an ongoing health issue, have your pill bottles and previous test or imaging results at hand. If you track your blood pressure, blood glucose, etc., at home, have your latest records (including today's) handy.
- If you're talking with a doc who knows you and has access to your records, that's the best situation. But whether the doc is a stranger or your longtime care provider, you should make an extra effort to communicate your questions and concerns, and ask the doc to explain his/her reasons for whatever is recommended or prescribed.
Since 90% of Americans are connected to the internet, and 77% own a smartphone, most of you should be able to take advantage of real-time video appointments. If you're not connected digitally, you can opt for a phone call as a substitute. We think you'll find that telemedicine offers convenient, good care when used correctly. It should be easy. If not, ask your doctor for instructions and have them guide you through the process.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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