Earlier this year, virtual medical appointments likely seemed an inferior option to in-person visits or were not standardized at all. But it is very likely that the new coronavirus pandemic has changed all that.
In just a few short months, telemedicine has exploded in popularity. What was once considered an ancillary service (rarely covered by insurance) is now seen as a safe and convenient way to meet with doctors and quickly get the care you need.
Still, if you haven't had a virtual tour yet, you probably have some questions about how the whole process works. Here's a closer look at what telemedicine is and how it works, when it's a good option, how to schedule your appointment, and what you need to do to prepare.
What is telemedicine?
Simply put, you use technology to practice medicine remotely rather than in person. It typically involves meeting with a healthcare practitioner via live video conferencing or, in some cases, a phone appointment.
But it also involves things that many patients have already been using for a while, such as patient portals, online test results, text reminders, messages from doctors, or video tutorials to learn how to use a medical device or take a medicine.
And while you may not have heard of it until the pandemic, telemedicine is not new. It's been around since the late 1990s, but until COVID-19, it used to be used only for rural or underserved populations who might not otherwise be able to access care. In 2020, orders to stay at home and fear of going to the doctor's office mean that many more people are taking advantage.
What advantages does it bring?
There are many other benefits of telemedicine besides avoiding possible exposure to COVID-19:
- Save time since you don't have to come and go to the office or sit in the waiting room.
- It gives you access to the care of a doctor or specialist who is not nearby.
- It makes scheduling an appointment easy, as many providers offer virtual visits in the evening or on weekends.
- It will potentially save you money, since virtual visits can be cheaper than face-to-face (if you want to access a private one).
- It helps you feel more positive about your care, as virtual visits can promote better communication between patients and doctors.
The possible drawbacks
Still, telemedicine is not perfect. Visits with multiple virtual portals can make it difficult for your primary care physician to coordinate your care, which could cause the virtual provider to miss key information about your medical history.
And as more and more insurers are adding telemedicine visits to health care plans, you could end up paying out of pocket if your insurer doesn't cover a visit.
Another thing to keep in mind: you can't always fix a health problem with telemedicine alone. A video visit may result in the need for an additional office visit if the telemedicine visit does not resolve the problem or it is determined that more information needs to be collected in person.
2 reasons to use telemedicine
This is a way to provide care when an in-person visit is not possible or could be unsafe. If you're experiencing signs of COVID-19, for example, you can meet with your doctor virtually to discuss your symptoms and determine if you need to get tested. That way, there is no risk of transmitting your germs to anyone in the office.
It is also a good option for when you get to the consultation, it would be very inconvenient if you work from home while your children take virtual classes, if you do not have reliable transportation or if you have mobility problems.
But that is not all. Telemedicine also fits well in the following scenarios:
When you have a simple concern
Telemedicine visits are good for simple new problems or for the follow-up of newly started medications that do not require laboratory tests or taking vital signs. Think of a minor cold or allergy symptoms, headaches, rashes or insect bites, or mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
When you don't need in-person care
In some cases, walking to your doctor's office isn't as necessary.
This is well suited for counseling-type visits or visits that do not require an exam, such as discussions about family planning or medications. It is also a good option for the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
Telemedicine can also be a good option for meeting with mental health professionals or nutritionists , and you can even take advantage of things like physical or occupational therapy.
Don't use telemedicine when …
Despite all you can do, experts agree that in-person visits will always be necessary. Some situations in which it may be preferable include:
When you need exams or physical tests
For example, if you are seeing a cardiologist for chest pain, you will probably need an EKG or ultrasound of your heart, which would require an office visit. If you are sick and need to have your throat examined, it is best done with a visit.
When the date is for a child
You may want to think twice before scheduling a virtual tour for your child. In-person care is the best option for infants and children, and many telemedicine doctors are not trained to care for children. If you are considering a video appointment for your little one, talk to your pediatrician first.
The good news is that you don't have to decide on your own which type of visit is the best option. If you are thinking of booking a telemedicine visit, ask your insurer. They will inform you if your needs are better suited to a virtual or in-person appointment.
Prepare for your online visit
Instead of going to your doctor's office to meet in person, you will simply use your computer or your smartphone to have a video conference with your doctor, medical assistant or nurse practitioner. The process is very similar to what happens in person.
The front desk will call the patient to request the copay and update any demographic information, and then the doctor will initiate the video chat. If this is your first time meeting, you will complete the same paperwork and provide the same type of information that you would in person, but digitally.
It's also worth checking your space and setup to make sure the visit goes smoothly. Some tips for beginners:
- Ask for instructions. You may need to download a certain program to perform video chat. Your insurer can tell you what software you need, how to get it, and how to use it. (In some cases, you may only be able to use FaceTime on an iPhone.) They may also recommend logging in early to check for technical issues.
- Make sure your device has a working camera and microphone. Both are essential for you and your doctor to communicate effectively.
- Find a quiet and bright place. The best place for a video call is a place with a lot of light; next to a window is always a good option. Also find a place without a lot of background noise, so that you and your doctor can hear each other clearly.
- Wear loose clothing . It will give you quick and easy access if you need to show him something on your skin.
- Close other applications . Having other programs running could slow down your device or distract you.
