When to See a Doctor for Arthritis Pain
Over 52 million Americans have arthritis, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s no big deal. Left unchecked, arthritis progresses and does irreversible damage to your joints. Here’s when to seek help.
Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.
But what do you do if you still need health care? Fortunately, Telehealth can help.
How Telehealth works
Telehealth — or telemedicine — is a healthcare solution that allows you to meet with your doctor virtually instead of going to the office. Our 100% HIPAA-compliant system uses a two-way, high definition video, so we can talk face-to-face as if we’re in the same room together.
With Telehealth, you can also:
- Submit your medication list, allergies, ID cards, and medical history in advance
- Chat or share photos describing your symptoms
- Have prescriptions electronically sent to your pharmacy
- Securely pay online for your virtual visit
This streamlined approach originally evolved to help expand medical care to men, women, and children living in remote areas. Today, 76% of hospitals use Telehealth technology, and US employers could save as much as $6 billion a year by making telemedicine technology available to their employees. But the advantages of Telehealth go far beyond financial savings.
The benefits of telemedicine
Whether you live close to your doctor or in a rural area, you probably know firsthand that even a routine visit involves wait times of 18 minutes or longer — and that doesn’t even include the time you spend getting there. Telehealth technology eliminates that.
By connecting to your doctor in a virtual setting, you can expect to:
- Miss less time at work
- Have fewer disruptions with any child or elder care responsibilities
- Eliminate the time or travel expenses associated with your office visit
- Receive quality health care faster
- Reduce subjecting yourself and others to a contagious illness
At the same time, you also reduce your risk of exposure to contagious illnesses, like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.
Telemedicine is also available to patients of all ages, including children, older adults, and those in vulnerable health. That makes it an ideal healthcare solution for everyone, especially when someone can no longer leave their home safely but still requires medical attention.
What to expect during a Telehealth appointment
Telemedicine technology has never been easier to use, simply:
- Download our app to your tablet, computer, or phone
- Request an appointment through our Telehealth portal
- Fill out the registration forms included in our calendar invite
- Follow the link in your calendar invite to open your video-chat to start your appointment
You can also upload photos, if needed, to help us diagnose your symptoms.
For more information on telemedicine or to schedule your virtual visit, contact us by calling or requesting your Telehealth appointment online today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Can You Grow Out of Allergies?
Allergies can be annoying inconveniences at best and life-threatening conditions at worst. Are you stuck with your allergies for life, or is there hope of them fading away? Here’s what you need to know about growing out of allergies.
The Importance of Weight Management for Long-Term Health
You know the downside of weight gain, but you may not realize the upside that comes with weight loss. Here are the lifelong health benefits you can look forward to when you start dropping pounds.
When Does My Teen Daughter Need Her First Pelvic Exam?
Your little girl is becoming a woman, and you’re wondering when to schedule her first pelvic exam. Here are our professional recommendations and some important issues to discuss with your daughter as she develops.
Tips to Help You Get Ready for Your First Mammogram
All firsts are stressful, but your first mammogram doesn’t have to be. Armed with some valuable information about what to expect, you’ll breeze through your first mammogram appointment with ease.
Lesser-Known Facts About COPD
If you think of COPD as a smoker’s disease, you know only a fraction of the story. There’s more to the disease than most people realize, and what you don’t know can affect you and those you love. Don’t get caught unawares — learn more about it.