Am I a Candidate for the Telehealth Option?
Today, few of us remember when house calls were a regular part of medical treatment. The idea of staying in the comfort of your own home while a doctor came to see you seems novel — even a bit luxurious.
Today, though, telehealth is changing all that, offering in-home visits for patients of all ages. But while telehealth certainly offers lots of benefits for patients, it’s not always the right choice for every patient.
At Triad Primary Care, our team offers patient-centered telehealth care for many patients throughout the Greensboro, North Carolina, area. Here’s how to tell if a telehealth visit might be a good fit for your healthcare needs.
Telehealth candidates
Generally speaking, telehealth can be a great option for just about anyone seeking a convenient alternative to health care. That said, it’s especially suitable for specific circumstances.
People with chronic diseases
Most chronic diseases require ongoing management to ensure you stay healthy. Telehealth visits can be an ideal solution to help manage your chronic condition and to make sure your treatment stays on track with your needs.
People with contagious illnesses
If you have the flu, a cold, or any other acute illness, it’s almost certain that you don’t feel like making your way to our office for a checkup. Having a telehealth visit helps you get the care you need to feel better without the hassle of an office visit when you feel under the weather.
People who don’t want illness exposures
Although we use advanced cleaning methods for every area of our office, there’s always the chance that you might “catch” a cold or other illness from another patient while in our waiting room. Having a visit in your home eliminates these exposures for extra peace of mind and also reduces your risk of spreading sickness to others.
People with very busy schedules
Of course, one of the most obvious benefits of telehealth visits is convenience. Whether you have a really busy schedule or you don’t want to take time off from work or school, telehealth can be a great option for helping you get the care you need without skipping a beat. With telehealth, you arrange an appointment at a time that suits your schedule, and you also get to skip the waiting room.
People with mobility issues
Finally, telehealth is a great option if you don’t have access to transportation or have trouble getting around. By having your visit in your home, you don’t have to worry about traveling to our office or making accommodations for any physical limitations.
Telehealth might not be the best choice for patients who have immediate or urgent medical needs who have developing medical conditions (including pregnancy), or who need regular in-person testing. Also, telehealth visits should never serve as a substitute for emergency medical treatment.
What to expect during your telehealth visit
At Triad Primary Care, we use the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology for telehealth visits, ensuring that you receive the compassionate, skilled care you need while protecting your privacy every step of the way.
For your telehealth visit, all you need is a telephone or a computer with a secure internet connection and a quiet, private place to have your visit. When your appointment time arrives, our office contacts you and puts you in touch with your provider.
During your appointment, your doctor asks about your concerns and your symptoms, along with any medication or therapy you’re having. Depending on your needs, your provider may ask you to use your phone or webcam to take a photo or provide images that can aid in your diagnosis and treatment. For instance, if you have a skin rash, you may be asked to use your camera to take photos of the rash so it can be evaluated.
After your appointment, your provider may prescribe medication, order medical testing, or even request an in-person follow-up visit. Regardless of the reason for your telehealth appointment, you can feel confident about receiving the same level of dedicated care and attention that’s provided during an in-person office visit.
Telehealth for a healthier you
Don’t let life get in the way of better health. With telehealth, you can get the care you need when and where it’s most convenient for you. To learn more about the telehealth options we offer at Triad Primary Care, call 336-800-8958 or book an appointment online with our team today.