In the time of COVID-19 telehealth options from your provider have become a common option. No doubt once the stay at home ban is lifted, telehealth will become more the norm. Perhaps due to ongoing restrictions or consumer preference.
If you are still unsure as to how Telehealth works reference: Telehealth Options for Consumers During COVID-19 Q&A
Benefits of Telehealth:
- Time
- Average time to get to a face to face visit can be 7-14 days, where as a telehealth visit can be scheduled usually in 24 hours.
- An appointment is usually 12-15 minutes.
- For a face to face, if you add drive time, say 20 minutes, appointment time 20 minutes, and drive time back home: 20 + 20 + 20 = 1 hour versus the 15-minute telehealth visit.
- Cost
- Copays for a telehealth visit can be the same or less than an in-person visit.
- A 20 – 25 minutes in person visit can be $85-$135 dollars whereas a telehealth visit can average $49 – $79 a visit.
- If you are on a high deductible plan and have not met your deductible, this makes getting the care needed at a more affordable rate.
- Technology
- Most people have a smart device to use for the visit.
- Some provider offices are using Zoom (a video conference tool) to conduct visits. If this is a case, this is a simple download on your device to connect with the provider for care at no additional cost to you.
- Safety
- With COVID 19 running its course, hopefully allowing for “Stay at Home” to be minimized, the new norm will look different and likely social distancing will stay. Refer to: The New Normal – Life After Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Having telehealth options may still be the preference for our vulnerable population, or for those who fear the second wave of COVID-19 and want to play it safe.
Health Insurance Companies Respond to Telehealth Demand
Health insurance companies most are thankfully waiving costs in most cases for COVID-19 treatment, but they are also waiving costs for telehealth services. It is a relief that within these services, it includes behavioral health, and alcohol and drug treatment, as isolation can magnify mental health issues.
- Aetna is waiving cost-sharing through June 4th on 27 covered telehealth visits. Refer to the 27 services Aetna Covers
- Cigna is allowing providers to bill standard in-person visits for all telehealth visits through May 31st. This service includes 28 types of visits. Refer to: 28 Telehealth Services Cigna
- United Healthcare will reimburse members for claims related to telehealth services March 18th through June 18th. Refer to: 46 Telehealth Services United Health Care covers
- Humana will reimburse services delivered through telehealth services the duration of the public health emergency. Refer to: Humana Covers 150 Telehealth Services
For more details and coverage refer to: Telehealth Medicare.gov
For more details on Telehealth and health insurance coverage of services refer to: Beckers Review Insurance Companies Cover More Telehealth Services
Telehealth Success Stories
Many people are benefitting from telehealth options:
Specialty Care
Bobbi has cerebral palsy. His family would have to drive 3 hours to the facility for the neurology care he needs to treat seizures. Telehealth options have minimized the 6-hour drive (round trip) but allow for his family to connect with a neurologist.
Mental Health Care
Debbie suffered from PTSD and depression after losing two children in a brutal attack. She loves in a rural area resulting in long and stressful drives to see her therapist. Telehealth visits were suggested to her, but she couldn’t imagine talking to her therapist about such troubling and sensitive issues through a camera. She gave it a try and began to see the value it added to her life and helping her achieve her goal of health mental health.
Chronic Illness Management
John was diagnosed with diabetes. He went through the standard care with insulin treatment, but as the years passed, he began to struggle with maintaining his levels. He needed to see an endocrinologist to address his diabetes. Telemedicine allowed him to have access to a specialist he wouldn’t typically have. He was relieved that he could see the specialist without a long drive or wait time to get in since he was struggling and needed help quickly.
Collaboration of Physicians
Alexa ended up in the emergency room with extreme pain, low blood pressure and organs failing. The second challenge is she lived in a rural community where access to specialists was not always an option. Doctor’s rallied to try to understand her situation, but for the best outcome, it required the consultation of physicians with numerous specialties to help understand how to treat her.
Most provider groups are updating their websites to confirm their telehealth offerings. Health insurance companies are also updating their websites to reflect what is covered, and it if the coverage is date specific.
Know your options, ask questions, as with COVID-19 things are constantly changing, but care is becoming more available in numerous and convenient ways like Telehealth.