Back in the 1800s, it was common for doctors to visit patients in their homes to diagnose and treat an illness. By the 1960s, “house calls” were a thing of the past. Insurance rules and legal issues shifted healthcare out of the patient’s home into more clinical settings, like doctor’s offices.
Then, along came COVID-19. The pandemic changed our lives in many ways, including how we interact with our care team. Today, patients can connect with their providers at home through a phone call or video conference. It’s like a new-and-improved version of the house call, except we have a more modern word for it: telehealth.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth (or telemedicine) is an electronic exchange of health information. This happens without an in-person office visit. It can include phone calls or video chats over computers, tablets, or phones. It can also include using online health management tools, like MyChart.
There are many types of services offered through telehealth, including:
- Getting results from lab tests or x-rays
- Managing your medications
- Getting referrals to specialty care providers
- Looking at skin issues and other physical changes
- Consulting with a provider before and after surgery
- Getting help for common sicknesses like colds, headaches, or an upset stomach
- Talking about your mental health or issues with alcohol or drug use
Telehealth might also involve remote patient monitoring (or RPM). This means using digital tools to track your health that can be shared with a provider in real time. For example, there are devices that check your heart rate and others that measure your blood sugar, monitor your breathing, and even track your pregnancy.
Why is telehealth important?
It’s important to see a provider whenever you need care, even if it’s not in person.
Here are some advantages of telehealth:
- You can connect with your provider from anywhere there is Wi-Fi.
- You don’t have to travel, take time off from work, or hire a babysitter.
- You can avoid contact with other sick patients and prevent the spread of viruses.
- You can book appointments with specialty care providers that are based far away.
Telehealth has been a gamechanger for people who struggle getting access to care. This includes people living in rural or remote areas. It also includes people with mobility problems, such as trouble walking or getting in and out of a car.
Keep in mind that there are times when telehealth won’t work. Some services, like annual physicals and vaccinations, need in-person visits. This also applies for lab work (eg, blood or urine tests), cancer screenings, surgery, and physical therapy.
Older adults or people with memory, judgment, or decision problems may not be able to use telehealth without support.
People living in rural or remote areas who do not have access to Wi-Fi may not be able to access telehealth services.
Always check with your provider if you aren’t sure whether it should be an in-person or telehealth visit.
Tips for your next telehealth visit
- Find a provider you can trust.
- Visit MediFind’s Find a Doctor tool. Select whether you want to search by health condition, type of specialist, or for a doctor by name.
- Next, there will be a series of questions for you to answer. This helps MediFind find the best results for your needs. It will pull up a web page that lists all the doctors who meet your criteria.
- Now, use the filter on the left-side to further tailor your search results. Under the tab “Availability,” you have the option to check “Offers telehealth visits.”
- Ask for help if you need it.
Let the office staff know if you need accommodations. This may include a screen reader, closed captioning, a translator, or a patient advocate. It can also include a caregiver to explain your needs or help you understand information from the provider.
- Make a list of questions or concerns.
Before the visit, write down the things you want to talk about. This can include the medicines you are taking and how much, any allergies to food or medicine, or health numbers, like temperature, weight, blood pressure, or blood sugar level. Be sure to mention any recent changes in your health or issues you’re concerned about, including your mental health.
- Locate a good spot.
Go to a private space where you feel safe to speak openly and honestly. This could be a room with a locked door or a parked car if Wi-Fi is available. Make sure it’s well-lit so the provider can clearly see you. Avoid using filters that change your appearance.
- Test your technology.
Sign on early if possible. Do a test run to make sure your Wi-Fi and audio/video functions are working. Test the speakers or headphones and adjust the volume, if needed. Keep the device stable. Put your computer on a desk or table or use something to hold up your phone or tablet.
- Get rid of distractions.
Turn off any background noise, such as music or TV. Close all the other apps on your phone or laptop that you don’t need during the visit. If your device is slow or having problems, you may have too many tabs or apps open.
- Keep your health information secure.
Your telehealth appointment is protected by privacy laws that your provider must follow. But there are things you need to do, too. Your home internet should be locked and only accessed with a password. Avoid using free or public internet if you can. Telehealth visits should not be recorded.
- Request a post-visit summary.
After the visit, ask the provider to send you a summary or notes. This can include answers to the questions you asked. If the provider uses a tool like MyChart, the summary and notes will automatically be posted to your patient portal.
