No doctor’s office handy or available? No problem. Telemedicine can ensure that even those who are too distant or too immunocompromised to visit a physical doctor’s office can access medical care.
Telehealth and telemedicine are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two terms.
“Telehealth is a broader term than telemedicine, encompassing more aspects of health care that can be done remotely, including education, administration, public health, and other non-clinical activities,” explains Elizabeth Krupinski, Ph.D., the University of Arizona co-director for the Southwest Telehealth Resource Center and associate director of evaluation for the Arizona Telemedicine Program. “Telemedicine refers specifically to the delivery of clinical services remotely using a variety of technologies.”
Telemedicine increases access to care and reduces travel. It can also increase satisfaction for patients and providers because it can cut down on hospital admissions and potential wait times, trims costs, improves health outcomes, and more, according to Krupinski. During times of increased risk of disease transmission, like the COVID-19 pandemic, it also keeps everyone more protected from transmitting viruses.
“There are few cons, but rather some challenges,” Krupinski says. “Not everyone has access to technology; not all of telemedicine is reimbursed by insurance; and some state and federal laws restrict the practice of telemedicine.”
Expect that your first visit will last 30 to 60 minutes, and follow-ups will usually be quick — around 15 minutes.
“Having an established relationship with a provider obviously makes the visit easier as they already know who you are and what’s in your health history,” Krupinski says.
Telemedicine relies on technology, so a secure internet connection is necessary. But if you don’t have access to that at home, alternatives exist.
“Kiosks offer direct-to-consumer telemedicine in some communities, and many hospitals and clinics have arrangements with places like public health offices, senior centers, and community centers to offer sites that are secure and decked out with the technology necessary to carry out a telemedicine visit,” Krupinski says.
Call or email your current — or potential — provider to inquire about telemedicine options and what technology you might need to participate.
“Mental and behavioral health is one of the most common uses of telemedicine for all ages,” Krupinski says. “It’s very effective, since it offers an easy way to seek consistent, frequent care for things like substance abuse and depression.”
Certain prescription administrations and refills can be done via telemedicine — as can virtual check-ins and e-visits from professionals, including doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and more.
After meeting the Medicare Part B deductible, patients pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for telemedicine services. Call or email your provider to confirm and watch Medicare’s website for government coverage levels.
Photo credit: iStock
Kelly Rayburn, AVP national sales and distribution at Wellabe, and Olga Villaverde, from Lifetime TV’s The Balancing Act, discuss the areas that primary health plans and Medicare may not cover and how you can protect yourself with supplemental plans.
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