The Doctor Will "See" You Now

How many of you have had a Telehealth appointment - either audio or video - since the COVID-19 pandemic started? I recently gave a presentation via Zoom to a group of about 25 older adults. I used the polling feature to ask if they’ve tried Telehealth and if they liked it. 80% reported that they had used it and thought it was great (the other 20% had not used it yet). Honestly, I was surprised at how many had used it AND liked it. This month’s blog provides some tips to make your Telehealth appointment successful. ​

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Telehealth may transform how healthcare is delivered in the future. It cannot replace every type of clinical visit, but in many cases, it can be just as good as being there in-person — just without the hassle of having to get to a doctor’s office. If the HIPAA rules and insurance reimbursement changes stay in effect even after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ends, we’ll all need to get familiar and comfortable with these type of provider appointments. 

It’s important to know that Telehealth was always subject to strict HIPAA privacy and confidentiality rules. Any platform used for Telehealth had to be HIPAA-compliant. These HIPAA rules have been relaxed since the Public Health Emergency was put in place; this means that providers and patients are using any form of communication that works, including FaceTime, Google Hangouts, whatever.

Medicare has made some important changes to Telehealth. Currently, any provider who is eligible to bill for Medicare may provide and be reimbursed for services delivered as Telehealth. That includes doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, physical therapists, and more. They can bill patients for usual cost-sharing (co-pays, co-insurance) but they have the option to waive or reduce those fees. Also, the requirement that a patient had to see the provider in the past 3 years in order to have a Telehealth appointment is waived.

Here are some tips to make Telehealth easier and more effective:

• Tips regarding your device (phone, laptop, tablet):
  • Set up camera at eye-level
  • Test microphone and camera
  • Make sure the volume is on and that you know how to mute/un-mute yourself
  • Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in
  • Close unnecessary programs
  • Adjust lighting - turn on overhead lights, block light from windows
• Tips regarding using a Telehealth app:
  • Download the app, if necessary, or use your browser if you have that option
  • Log in early in case you have a problem
  • Have the doctor/office phone number handy in case you have trouble logging in
• Still plan as if you are having an in-person visit:
  • Prepare  an “agenda” - What are your questions? What information do you need? What do you want to accomplish during the visit? 
  • Write down new issues, symptoms, medications
  • Have medication list handy - prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Provide info on vital signs, if possible - height, weight, blood pressure, temperature, etc.
  • Pen and paper for taking notes
  • Someone can be with you, just as if you wanted to bring someone to an in-person appointment
  • Repeat instructions back to provider to make sure you understand correctly
  • Be sure to ask and be clear about next steps such as scheduling another appointment, lab work, new prescription, etc.

If you have other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.