Greetings! This is important so please read carefully.
We started using Telehealth appointments during the pandemic and have continued them due to their success and patients' satisfaction.
Telehealth uses video and audio to complete an office visit without you being in the office. We are regularly using Telehealth visits and it has been quite easy for patients and us.
Included here are some guidelines on how to start a Telehealth visit, how to prepare for the visit and the types of visits possible. Your visit will be made with a secure and private online platform and documented in your chart just as we normally do. We can still transmit needed prescriptions electronically to your pharmacy.
Due to many factors, we will not be able to send in any antibiotic prescriptions unless you are evaluated first, whether it is in person or via a Telehealth visit.
Telehealth visits require additional time and resources on our end to complete and we will keep each visit to no more than about 10 minutes. Since the actual interaction is very efficient, most visits can be completed in about 5 or so minutes of “face to face” time. All Telehealth visits will be conducted during normal business hours just like our usual visits. For after-hours problems we will not be able to evaluate or treat your problems.
Starting a visit you will need to:
- have a smart phone with video and audio and internet capabilities.
- call our office during usual business hours and set up an appointment and make sure we have the correct cell phone number, name spelling, and date of birth.
- be available a few minutes before the time of your appointment.
- follow the simple directions of the program including accepting the text & call, and allowing your phone to use audio & video.
- you will need to email us back a simple consent acceptance, saying you agree to the terms.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLPbyvFTgdU this video helps with making sure you give camera and microphone permissions so that we can chat.
Preparing for a visit you should:
- be in a quiet place with bright lighting in front of you where we can see and hear you (and you the same for us.) You should have no distractions like TV, pets, small children, etc. Facing a bright window (out of direct sunlight) is usually a very good option. (Don't have bright lighting behind you.)
- have flashlight or other light source to help see certain things better like rashes and throats
- check your temperature if you are sick
- check your blood pressure if your visit relates to blood pressure. When using a home monitor make sure to be sitting and resting for at least 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure using an appropriately sized cuff. Most “adult” size cuffs are too small for most adults unless you are quite thin.
- check your glucose level if your visit relates to diabetes
Some examples of things we can usually (but not necessarily always) treat:
Common minor illness, injuries and other problems, including things like colds and sinus infections, simple urinary tract infections
(bladder infections,) Strep throat, Rashes, Acne, Yeast infections, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Hypertension, Simple sprains and strains, Acid reflux, Constipation, Stomach bugs (gastroenteritis,)
and many other chronic medical conditions.
Things we definitely cannot treat:
Anything potentially life threatening with symptoms like chest pain, abdominal pain, neurologic changes like stroke and altered mental status, major injuries, pain syndromes, and any other condition which is potentially life threatening.
We are not able to do lab tests, EKGs, X-rays or other imaging.
How much does the Telehealth visit cost?
If you have active health insurance and do NOT have a copay for office visits, a deposit of $40 will be collected and applied to the office visit. If you have active health insurance and DO have a copay for office visits, then payment equal to your copay will be collected during the call to schedule your appointment.
We will submit the visit to your health insurance company for reimbursement. Any unpaid amount left as “Patient Responsibility” will then be paid by you to Miles Family Medicine.
Be safe and stay healthy!