Telehealth is a user-friendly video conferencing service that allows new and established patients to see a Family Health Clinic provider from the comfort of their home.
To help you learn more about the service, we’ve interviewed Family Health Clinic Nurse Practitioner Leah Gwin! Learn more about what Telehealth is, who it’s for, and how you can use it below.
Which patients should use Telehealth?
Telehealth is a versatile alternative to the traditional medical visit. It can be utilized by both new and established patients. Since Telehealth combines video and audio connection in real-time, we can assess and treat a variety of conditions whether acute or chronic.
I have found the best success in using Telehealth with patients I already have an established relationship with. Routine med checks and review of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD, asthma, depression, and anxiety can usually be managed periodically with Telehealth. Certain acute ailments such as poison ivy, pink eye, etc. are also appropriate situations where we can use Telehealth.
In general we have found that Well Child Checks and other routine physicals cannot be done via Telehealth due to the need for a hands on physical assessment.
How do patients use Telehealth?
Telehealth is very user friendly. First, call the Family Health Clinic at (800) 321-5043 to set up your appointment. Then, you’ll be sent a link either by email or texted to your phone. Using the link, you can connect to a virtual waiting room, again either on your phone or your computer. Simply wait in the “waiting room” and the practitioner will initiate the visit.
There is nothing to sign up for, no app for your phone or programs to download on your computer. Simply click the link, enter your name, and wait in the waiting room.
What are some of the safety features?
The platform we use for Telehealth is called Doxy.me. The site is secure and HIPAA compliant. None of your information is stored on the site and it is completely separate from our electronic medical records system.
What can you expect from a Telehealth appointment?
You can expect to receive a similar level of personalized care as you might in a regular office visit. You might be asked to report some information to us, such as your weight, height, temperature, heart rate, or blood pressure, depending on the reason for your visit. We print and mail a summary of the visit to you as a way to review what was discussed and reminders for follow up appointments.
What are the benefits of Telehealth appointments for patients?
Many patients benefit from the convenience of Telehealth. They do not have to arrange for transportation, childcare, worry about weather (in the winter), and they have quick access to their medications if they need to reference them.
It is a great way to provide additional follow-ups without the hassle of scheduling in-office appointments. Telehealth also encourages patients to engage and take a more active role in their healthcare.
What would you like current Family Health Clinic patients to know about using Telehealth?
I’d like our patients to know how user-friendly Telehealth is, many young patients alike have had positive experiences using Telehealth. If you’re comfortable using FaceTime, you’ll love the ease of Telehealth.
Having a strong internet connection is key to a successful visit, but in the event that something doesn’t work, we will call on the phone and connect that way. We are trying to do everything we can to eliminate barriers that prevent people from accessing health care and Telehealth is a key piece to that puzzle.
Schedule a Telehealth appointment.
Are you interested in seeing one of our providers via Telehealth? Just call (800) 321-5043!
