GET A QUOTE WITH THE TOP INSURANCE AGENCY
CLICK HERE
FIND THE BEST PLAN FOR YOU WITH THE #1 HEALTH INSURANCE AGENCY IN NEW JERSEY

7 Ways to Maximize Your Telemedicine Appointment

Many doctors and patients have turned to Telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine is a virtual appointment with your physicians or other healthcare professionals through video chats, phone calls or real-time chat.

Televisits are not ideal for every scenario, but for patients who can self-report symptoms or whose visits are primarily to acquire information or advice, telemedicine is a convenient alternative.

If you are considering scheduling a telemedicine visit or already have an appointment on the books, a bit of preparation will ensure your visit proceeds smoothly.

Confirm Your Doctor Offers Virtual Visits

If you don’t currently have a primary care physician, consider selecting one who offers telemedicine visits. For those with an existing primary care doctor, check the website of your physician or healthcare provider to determine if telemedicine is offered and what your co-pay responsibility will be. Download your healthcare provider’s telemedicine app if necessary and follow the app’s instructions for set-up. If your doctor uses a separate online portal, now’s a good time to register. Depending on your provider, you may be able to access test results, request appointment and communicate via secure online portal.

Double-Check Your Set-Up

If you have never participated in a video chat before, schedule a test run with a friend using Skype, Facetime, Zoom, or any other video chat app on your phone, tablet, or computer. Make sure your device’s microphone and video camera are enabled and in good working condition. Confirm the person you are talking to can see and hear you well by selecting a well-lit room and positioning yourself sufficiently close to your device.

 

Write Down Your Symptoms & Questions

Before your appointment, it may be helpful to write down your symptoms, noting when they first became apparent and any changes you have noticed over time. Pay particular attention to specific circumstances that seem to trigger or aggravate your symptoms, and what, if anything, has provided relief. Your doctor will be relying on you to report your full scope of symptoms, so make sure to cover everything, even if you’re not certain whether it’s related.

 

Take Photos, If Applicable

Conditions that can be diagnosed visually (many skin issues, for example) are particularly well suited for telemedicine. Prior to your appointment, take a photo of the affected area to share with your doctor during your visit. Make sure your photo is well lit and focused (you may need to use a flashlight or additional light source). Include a close-up photo, if possible, to provide greater detail. If you notice your condition changing prior to your telemedicine appointment, take multiple photos over a period of time to demonstrate the change.

Prepare For Your Call 

Give yourself enough time to get settled by positioning yourself at your phone or video set-up at least five minutes prior to your virtual visit. Avoid distractions by selecting a quiet space where you will not be disturbed. If you’re doing a video call, position your computer or mobile device so the strongest light source is positioned in front of your face. If a sunny window or other bright light source is located behind you, close the blinds or adjust your body position to remove the window from your video picture.

 

During Your Visit

Speak clearly and candidly with your healthcare provider, just as you would during an in-person visit. Keep any medical devices you use (ex. blood pressure monitor, glucose tester) and names of medications you’re currently taking handy, in case your doctor wants to reference them specifically. If you have any questions at the end of your appointment, be sure to ask. If you do have follow-up questions after your appointment, contact your doctor’s office or use your healthcare provider’s online portal to reach out.

Not All Issues Are Suitable For Telemedicine 

Though telemedicine works well for clear-cut issues such as medication refills, visible skin problems, or contraception questions, televisits are not ideal for all scenarios. Complex issues, emergencies, or urgent needs such as broken bones, severe burns, or deep cuts should still be treated in the emergency room or urgent care center. Routine preventative care such as pap smears, colonoscopies, and mammograms are also not suitable for treatment via telemedicine and will require an in-person visit to your doctor when it’s safe to do so.

The widespread adoption of telemedicine is providing greater convenience for patients who are able to connect to their doctors without ever leaving home. More and more employee health benefits packages are specifically including telemedicine visits to help employees stay healthy, even while balancing busy schedules. If you need to see a doctor for a routine visit, telemedicine might become your go-to “office visit” of choice.

 

Cosmo Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency serving surrounding communities in New Jersey. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating the latest in technology-based tools and laws on healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance and finance, we keep our clients up-to-date with the plans that encompass all of their needs, whether it is individual or group insurance. 

CONTACT COSMO NOW

GET A GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE QUOTE NOW

LEARN MORE ABOUT GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE

Source: Extensis Group

2024