Let’s suppose you are in transit and traveling for work. Suddenly you experience a cough and sore throat along with sinus pain. Since you are traveling and can not reach your primary care doctor, telemedicine comes into play.
While traveling, if you want to attend your work conference or important work commitments, telemedicine is your best bet in case of manageable medical emergencies. Saad MD urgent care provides you with top telemedicine appointment services.
Moreover, it is important for you to research and analyze whether telemedicine can be a good option for you. Will you be able to concede a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan for your bunch for your symptoms?
But what is that you need to do for your first telemedicine visit?
What Is Meant By Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is a virtual channel that connects patients with medical professionals via phone or online. It is possible due to telemedicine that medical professionals are able to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with the use of technology. Video conferencing and smartphones can save your day without giving any in-person visits.
Telemedicine more or less acts like an in-person visit. The consultation provided online is the same as the one provided in an office. During the course of the appointment, your doctor thoroughly discusses the symptoms and comes up with the proper treatment for you.
Furthermore, it is essential to note that telemedicine is used either for non-emergency situations or emergencies that are manageable via online consultation.
Telemedicine can be beneficial in cases of cold, fever, skin conditions, and sinus infections.
Telemedicine Is Used By Whom?
Telemedicine is chosen by people for different reasons. The main reason is convenience. Telemedicine makes it very convenient for people to get medical care from the comfort of their homes.
Suppose you cannot travel to a doctor’s office all by yourself because of medical reasons or transportation issues. Maybe you live in a rural area devoid of good medical services; in such cases, consulting a doctor can require you to take an excessively longer commute.
In the circumstances mentioned above, telemedicine can come into play. It can be your best answer in situations like these where you want to save your precious time and wants to fit it according to your schedule.
What Medical Conditions Does Telemedicine Cover?
Telemedicine covers daily life sicknesses and ailments such as influenza, conjunctivitis (pink eye), bladder infections, yeast infections, acid reflux, and different skin conditions.
Various telemedicine professionals provide treatment plans for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or stress.
Telemedicine does not include those emergency conditions that require hospitalization, such as stroke, heart attack, and major accidents or fatal injuries.
What Should Be Your Telemedicine Appointment Checklist
Now when you have a brief idea about telemedicine, this is how you can prepare for your first telemedicine appointment. Below is the checklist you can follow to ensure that your appointment goes smoothly and that you can make the most of it.
1.Always Opt For a Private Place
Looking of spur of moment privacy can be a tough nut to crack particularly if you reside with our people. It is important that before your appointment, choose a silent place and set the place accordingly. Ask your family members to respect your privacy and give you space during your virtual appointment. In this manner, your telemedicine appointments won’t face any external interruptions.
2.Take Technical Aspects into Consideration
It is important for you to learn how to use the telemedicine company’s application and video chat software via smartphone, computer, or tablet.
Telemedicine companies use popular and credible video services such as FaceTime (for Mac users), WhatsApp, and Skype (Windows). You can easily take an audio call with your doctor as well if that option is available.
Moreover, beforehand check with your telemedicine company to know about the ins and outs. It will relieve you from any undue stress, and you don’t have to fret over the technicalities of your telemedicine visit.
3.Prepare Your Accurate Medical History
You are asked to fill out a questionnaire when booking your telemedicine appointment with an online physician. This form comprises all health-related questions, and you must answer them according to your symptoms.
Ensure to collect all your relevant medical documents related to your medical history beforehand. Your doctor can also ask questions about your daily routine, lifestyle, job, and family life. You can also receive questions regarding your mental health history.
The main purpose of telemedicine appointments is to provide an accurate treatment plan and the best medical care to the patient. Sharing personal and routine details with the doctor permits him or her to make an accurate diagnosis and provide quality care.
4.Ensure to keep all your documents ready
The following piece of documents are most needed and should be ready beforehand.
- List of medicines, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
- Name of your primary doctor’s name and contact
- Phone number and address of your pharmacy
- Insurance and credit card information
Write Down The Questions That You Need To Ask
A doctor’s appointment can make you a little nervous, particularly when the doctor is new, It is natural to forget the important questions that you need to ask due to anxiousness.
Make a list of important questions before your appointment so that you can ask about your queries.
The following are the essential questions to ask your doctor.
- What is the diagnosis?
- Is there any need for medical tests?
- What can I do to get better?
- Do I need a prescription?
- What do I do if my symptoms don’t resolve?
- How can I access the treatment plan from today’s appointment?
- Can I contact you if I have follow-up questions?
Note Down Your Treatment Plan
Take notes of your treatment plan, no matter if it is simple or complex. It will come in use for you in case you want to see another doctor or specialist. You can also be aware of what steps you need to take next for your relevant treatment.
Discuss Follow-Up Care
If you are suffering from an acute or chronic medical condition, you need to go back and check on your ongoing treatment and determine if you need follow-up care. You might also require a prescription..
Quick Facts About Telemedicine Care
Below are some known facts regarding telemedicine care.
- The amount of telemedicine treatments has escalated by 1,393% between 2014 and 2018.
- Studies have discovered that between 2016 and 2017, telemedicine services elevated by 60%.
- Urban areas have utilized almost 1220% growth in telemedicine patients.
- The largest group that chose telehealth was older millennials ranging from 31 to 40 years of age.
- For almost decades, the government of the United States has supported telemedicine and made telehealth services accessible in rural areas.
Conclusion:
Telemedicine’s popularity is rising day by day. It comes with its own benefits, such as easy and convenient access, reduced treatment costs, professional specialist care, and patient-centered care.
You need to check with your health insurance company to see if they offer you telehealth services and their relevant benefits. Moreover, you can get in touch with Saad MD to avail of virtual urgent care in Michigan and gain access to the best telehealth services as well.
ALSO READ: Yoga Steps to Boost Your Wellbeing and Health
