By: Garrett Bomba, MD, Chief Physician Executive, Pentucket Medical
The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way we interact with each other day by day. More social distancing means medical and behavioral health care clinicians are finding new ways to provide care to their patients. The use of telehealth is making that easier.
What does that mean to you?
It means that healthcare is provided over the phone or web so that patients can stay connected to their clinician. These virtual appointments can be used for initial COVID screenings and routine exams as well as help to support those with chronic diseases, such as diabetes- all while at home.
From pediatric visits to seniors who have a question about their prescription medications, the use of telemedicine, by either phone or video provides greater access to a clinician. For many, this has proven to be an invaluable resource and it is anticipated that telemedicine visits will continue once the pandemic is over.
Though telemedicine is providing greater access for patients to clinicians, there are some clinical situations where in person appointments are necessary.
If you have questions about how your plan covers telehealth and telemedicine, reach out to your insurance provider.
To learn more about a virtual appointment click the video below: