Due to the global pandemic patients see telemedicine as an effective and convenient solution to receive care remotely. All you need is an internet facility and a smartphone or a laptop to seamlessly connect with your healthcare provider from the comfort of your home. However as easy as it may sound, some patients might feel a little uncomfortable before their first telemedicine session due to being less tech-savvy or they simply have no idea how to connect with their physician on this platform. All these concerns are valid and providers should help patients to feel comfortable with this new option of patient care. Telemedicine EMR software solution is a simple and reliable option for communities all around the United States to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment.
5 Tips to help your patients with their first telemedicine visit
You must guide your patients with the basics of getting started with their first virtual appointment. Here are some tips and things you can tell your patient to help them prepare them well for their first virtual session with their physician. Let’s get started!
- Assess and check your tech – Telemedicine appointment requires a smartphone being connected to a decent internet connection to be able to support seamless video sessions and conference between you and your provider. You must ask your patients to test their internet connectivity which can either be cellular or WIFI. The internet should be fast enough to connect without any disruptions. Also if there’s a need to download an app before the telemedicine session then it should be downloaded beforehand. If there are any special requirements the provider should convey them to the patient for a perfect virtual session.
- Prepare questions ahead of time – During the telemedicine session, you might forget to question your provider about something important related to your health condition as virtual sessions are shorter. Hence it is advised that you jot down all the relevant and important queries and make a list you can refer to while having a live session. Questions may be about, diagnosis, medical tests, treatment plans, and follow-up questions. This way you’ll be prepared and won’t miss out on any of the inquiries you have in your mind.
- Check the coverage with your insurance provider – Insurance coverage for telemedicine sessions change. Medicare covers all COVID-19 related telemedicine visits, however, some private insurers may not. It is advised that you call up your provider before your first telemedicine appointment to check what’s covered in your insurance plan.
- Choose the right spot and get relaxed – Healthcare providers always ensure that their clinics are clean, tidy, and filled with the right light to welcome patients. All telemedicine visits are HIPAA compliant to ensure the safety and protection of the health data shared in the live session. Patients should also choose a place at home that is quiet and has ample light so your healthcare provider can see you if you have any visible conditions related to the skin that needs to be examined properly. Take the call and wear your headphones to block out any background noise.
- Discuss follow-up care – Before ending your telemedicine video call always discuss all the necessary questions related to follow-up care. You should know how to get in touch with your provider afterward and how to get prescriptions.
Moving ahead
House calls or telemedicine sessions are here to stay due to their ease of use, convenient access, specialist care, and patient-centered care opportunities. Telemedicine EMR software solutions have greatly helped to improve positive health outcomes and keep patients satisfied. The robust platform enables patients to connect with pediatricians, medical specialists, therapists, and general physicians for prompt diagnosis and treatment options from their homes.
