Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many insurance companies, including Medicare, have made special allowances for use of telehealth visits with providers. Telehealth.hhs.gov has a helpful list of information to help you prepare for a telehealth visit with your healthcare provider. To learn more, visit their website here.
Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to extend care when you and the doctor aren’t in the same place at the same time. If you have a phone or a device with the internet, you already have everything you need to do telehealth – you may be able to:
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Talk to your doctor live over the phone or video chat
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Send and receive messages from your doctor using chat messaging, email, secure messaging, and secure file exchange
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Use remote patient monitoring so your doctor can check on you at home. For example, you might use a device to gather ECG or other vitals to help your doctor stay informed on your progress
Contact your provider to see if he/she is using telehealth services presently and to learn more about how this tool may help you receive care while staying at home.