Virtual Healthcare Visits

Lots of changes are going on regarding the way we are leading our day-to-day lives including visits to our healthcare providers.  Chances are good that if you have a scheduled visit to your physician, you may be told that it will be a virtual telehealth visit as many physicians have substantially cut back on in-person office visits.  

While the concept may seem new, you may be surprised to learn that the Lancet medical journal first discussed the possibility of using the telephone as a way to lessen unnecessary office or home visits in 1879, three years after Alexander Graham invented the telephone.   Now with the outbreak of Covid-19 and telehealth visits quickly gaining popularity, experts offer some guidance on what to expect and tips to make sure you are prepared for your “visit.”  

First, in order to participate in a telemedicine appointment, you need at a minimum a telephone line.  Ideally, high-speed internet and video access through a smart phone, tablet or computer allows you to connect visually.  Also your provider needs to tell you what app to download before your visit.  

Moreover, just like a regular in-office visit, doctors recommend making a list of topics you wish to go over with your healthcare provider.  Dr. Gary LeRoy, an associate professor of family medicine at Wright State University and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, advises patients to ask themselves, “‘why do you need to be seen today; and what's the biggest priority?”  He suggests keeping a symptom diary of when the problem first developed and what seems to aggravate or alleviate the symptoms, etc.   Also make your call in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted, and have on hand any devices you use including thermometer, blood pressure cuff, glucometer, etc.  

If you need a mammogram, colonoscopy, or other procedures that require in-person care, experts recommend postponing them until we are in a better place in terms of the current health crisis.  However, they stress that emergencies are still emergencies including “sudden chest pains, weakness in one side of the face or body, or a sudden thunder-clap headache. These are all red-alert symptoms that could signal a heart attack or stroke,” and require immediate medical attention.  

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Source: health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/a-beginners-guide-to-a-virtual-doctors-visit