In November, the Colorado Gerontological Society held a virtual online seminar on “Using Telehealth for Medicare Users.” Telehealth is the virtual service of providing medical care for patients remotely using either the telephone or Internet video services. In rural areas, only telephone service may be available. However, in towns or cities, video services are available using the Internet.
Telehealth
Laptop or desk computers, smartphones, or tablets can provide video telehealth services. There are three categories of telehealth services defined by Medicare: 1) standard telehealth, 2) virtual check-in, and 3) E-visits using your provider’s website portal depending on the patient’s connectivity to any of these services.
Many benefits are included using the telehealth services: faster access to doctors, no travel time, no waiting time, no physical exam, no exposure to potential viruses at doctor’s offices, access to specialists, mental health services, request prescriptions, and follow-up with your assigned healthcare program. The telehealth is ideal for rural patients, reporting initial problems, follow-up after surgery, monitor chronic health problems, remote monitor of vital signs, urgent care response, and counseling.
A quiet atmosphere at your home, good Internet or telephone connection, and good lighting if using a web camera is required.
Not all Medicare Part B providers may not allow telehealth, but check with your Medicare provider for details. Some limitations may exist such as interaction with a doctor using telehealth is required and may be subject to 20% copay. But considering the alternative of traveling to the doctor’s office and waiting for your appointment may show telehealth to be a better option.
If you have Internet connectivity, a good alternative is some medical groups have their own website patient portal. Patients can send messages to their doctors, make appointments, request prescription refills, see past lab tests, and request to see a specialist. Overall, patients should consider using telehealth if you need faster service without traveling to the doctor’s office!