Getting the Care You Need via Telemedicine
Keeping
on top of your healthcare needs is now more important than ever, but due to the
COVID-19 virus, you may be asked by your healthcare system or local physician’s
office to avoid in-person visits. Avoiding in-person visits helps control the
spread of the disease and ensures that the most critically ill receive
frontline care. But just because you may not be able to see your healthcare
provider in person does not mean that you should not seek out medical care.
Telemedicine
is a new reality for all of us. To make it easier to connect with your healthcare
team, the federal government has temporarily expanded
telemedicine services for Medicare beneficiaries to cover
virtual visits. Virtual visits currently include various modes of interaction
with your healthcare team including video
chats, phone calls, and e-mail.
We’ve
put together four key tips to help make your telemedicine visit as beneficial
as possible:
1. Prepare for the Visit
- Write down a list of your symptoms and concerns; be specific.
- Practice what you want to say. That way, you won’t leave anything out.
- Write down a list of all medications (prescription and non-prescription).
- Check your technology. (If you do not have a computer, tablet, or smart phone, ask a family member for help.)
- Turn off background noise such as TVs, radios, and smart speakers.
- Ask others in your home to keep the noise level down.
- Allow yourself 10-15 minutes before the video/phone call to collect your thoughts.
- For privacy, consider using headphones during the call.
- Summarize your condition, list all symptoms, and explain your concerns.
- Share any changes in your medical history and any major life changes.
- Provide any vital signs that you can such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
- After your doctor tells you something, repeat it back in your own words.
- Take notes and ask questions such as: What are the risks/benefits of treatment? Are there other ways to treat this? Will insurance pay? Will I need medication?
- Agree on the treatment plan and any additional tests/medications.
- Ask your doctor for resources and about follow-up visits.
As
with any physician visit, it’s ideal if you can have a friend or family member
by your side. That person can be responsible for taking notes so that you can
focus fully on your conversation with your doctor.
Important: As of March 30,
the federal government is including e-visits (an
e-mail exchange via a secure online patient portal) and telephone calls as
part of telemedicine. Read more from
CMS.
About Susan Stiles, PhD:
Susan Stiles is NCOA's Senior Director of Product
Development and Strategy, providing leadership in the design and development of
consumer products that inspire, educate, and activate older adults. She’s been
instrumental in bringing the Aging Mastery Program® to market and scaling it
nationwide via strategic alliances and business partnerships. Susan has 20+
years of experience in design thinking, multimedia, strategic communications,
and management consulting.
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