Get help from anywhere with telehealth
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Imagine it’s just one of those days. You’re stuck in bed with a terrible cold — sore throat, cough, fever, headache, the works. One of the last things you want to do is leave the house for a doctor’s appointment. Luckily, you don’t have to!
Telehealth makes it possible for you to consult a doctor, get a diagnosis, and even request prescription orders, all from the comfort of your bed.
Here’s what to know about how telehealth works, its benefits, and what an appointment might look like.
What is telehealth and how does it work?
Instead of visiting a doctor’s office in person, telehealth leverages technology to bring some of your favorite providers right to your phone or computer screen.
Most healthcare professionals will have a particular portal, platform, or technology they use for telehealth appointments, including secure video calling, messaging platforms, mobile apps, and remote monitoring.
Some common conditions that can be treated or managed with telehealth:
Mental health treatment and therapy
Skin conditions like acne
Common cold or flu
Migraines
Diabetes type 1 and 2
Allergies
While a virtual visit doesn’t work for every situation, it may be a good idea to call your doctor’s office first to help you decide whether your symptoms warrant an in-person visit.
Benefits of telehealth
There’s a reason telehealth usage has steadily increased over the past few years. Not only is it convenient for healthcare providers, but there are plenty of benefits for patients, too.
It offers convenience and comfort.
With telehealth, you can take an appointment from wherever you are — whether it’s your house, a spare conference room, your car, or anywhere else you might be. Not only does it make it easier to fit in appointments on busy days, but you can also cut down on travel and wait times.
It makes healthcare more accessible.
Location and time are two common barriers to healthcare that telehealth helps break down. Is the nearest doctor a 30-plus minute drive away? With telehealth, they’re at your kitchen table. Can’t take the time off work to get to your appointment? Cut out driving and the waiting room with a virtual appointment, and you’ll likely save yourself time and money.
Appointments may be more readily available.
Healthcare providers have busy schedules, and sometimes, you may have to wait a while for an in-person appointment. Often, providers will set aside specific windows for telehealth appointments, and some may even take time during lunch or at the end of the day to see patients virtually.
Typically, these appointments happen within days — or even hours — of scheduling. Additionally, appointments usually start right when they’re scheduled, since you don’t have to get checked in with reception or have your vitals taken by a nurse beforehand.
Limit your exposure to illness.
If you have an infectious cold, going to the doctor’s office may increase the spread of germs. If you have a chronic illness that affects your immune system, then going to the doctor’s office in person can potentially expose you to harmful germs and bacteria. Telehealth helps limit the spread of illness and can keep you safe from catching anything else.
Continue to build a relationship with your provider.
If you need to see a doctor or specialist that’s far away, telehealth can help you continue to build a relationship despite the distance. Similarly, when you see your primary care provider virtually, they already know your medical history and can get a better sense of your home environment and how it impacts your health.
Preparing for a telehealth appointment
You probably won’t be seeing a receptionist or nurse as you would for an in-person appointment, but you can come prepared with some information that’ll help your appointment go smoothly.
Double-check your insurance coverage. Even if you’re seeing your primary care provider, there may be different co-pays or deductibles for telehealth visits.
Pick a location where you’ll feel comfortable. In a doctor’s office, you’ll have the privacy of your own room. If you’re at home, make sure you find a space with good lighting and an appropriate background, where you can talk freely about your concerns without worrying about extra noise or interruptions.
Test your connection and devices. Charge up your phone or computer in advance, and run a quick internet test to ensure you’ll have a stable connection. Your provider will typically email or text you with instructions on how to join the call once it’s time for your appointment. Some providers may have native video platforms for telehealth, where you can connect through a link in their app.
Have your relevant information and questions ready. It’s a good idea to keep a handy list of things like your current prescriptions, your pharmacy’s address, your health insurance card, and your medical history. It’s also helpful to note your current symptoms and when they started, plus any other questions you might have.
Depending on what you’re seen for, your provider may suggest a follow-up appointment, or simply ask you to call if you have any questions or complications.
Telehealth and mental health care
Telehealth appointments with a mental healthcare provider work pretty much the same way as a virtual visit with a primary care provider. And like primary care providers, many mental health professionals offer virtual sessions that are likely covered by your insurance provider.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, telehealth services for mental health can include:
One-on-one therapy
Group therapy
Couples and marriage counseling
Mental health screenings
Medication monitoring and prescribing
Substance abuse counseling
If you’re looking for a mental healthcare professional who offers virtual appointments, you should be able to find an in-network provider by searching on your insurance portal. You can also ask your primary care provider for a reference if you feel comfortable doing so, or call around to a few practices and ask them directly.
There are also a few popular apps and websites that offer telehealth and mental health resources, like TalkSpace and Calm. Most of these resources have their prices posted online, and you can read reviews to get a better idea of what’s included and what to expect.
You may even have access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Program, where you can get short-term support virtually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can telehealth help me with preventive care?
If you can’t get to your doctor’s office right now, a telehealth checkup could be a great option. You may still need to schedule certain services that your doctor can’t provide remotely, like blood tests and vaccinations.
Will the telehealth provider I talk to have access to my medical history?
Short answer: maybe, but ask to be sure. Either way, it’s a good idea to remind any healthcare provider about any allergies and/or medications you’re taking.
Can I talk to my regular doctor via telemedicine?
Telehealth is becoming more common every year, so there’s a good chance the answer is yes. Talk to your doctor or their staff to find out what type of telehealth options they have.
Even if telehealth isn't offered by your provider, there are other telehealth vendors you can go to directly. A quick online search for "telehealth" can provide you with some options, and checking reviews and pricing can help you make an informed decision.
ALEX
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