While maintaining social distancing, there are, alternative options for care and access to your provider. Medicare is lifting the requirements on telehealth options and many practices are using this method as an alternative way to care for patients.
While telehealth has been around, it has a slow adoption rate. With COVID-19 and social distancing this is beginning to change. Hospitals and doctor’s offices are encouraging this and in some cases making it mandatory to support social distancing and protecting the elderly and other vulnerable members of our population.
In many ways it can be a relief if you are concerned that you may have symptoms of COVID-19 but are not sure if it is just a cold or flu? You can reach out to your doctor and discuss your symptoms from your home and get next steps for treatment or get needed prescriptions for allergies or other issues.
For an overview of telehealth refer to : Telehealth vs. Telemedicine How it Works
Q: When should I use Telehealth?
A: See below:
- Inquiries about medication or pharmacy refills
- Follow up on post-treatment care and check-in
- Questions about common medical issues, stomach issues, headaches, muscle aches, sore throat, and coughing or back pain.
- Medical care is not available during regular business hours, holidays, or weekends.
- Rural areas making drive time long and tedious if inclement weather.
- The patient is limited in movement or unable to leave home.
Q: How hard is it to use?
A: It’s not. You can use your computer, phone or tablet to have a Facetime conversation or video conference with your provider. These visits are referred to as virtual visits or telehealth visits.
Q: I heard there were limits as to who could use Telehealth options?
A: There were limits at one time to a limited population mainly those in rural areas. Last week the limits were lifted. Your best option is to call your providers office to confirm.
Q: How much will it cost? Is it covered by my insurance?
A: On average the estimated cost of a telehealth visit is $40 to $50 which is lower than an in person visit which can range from $75 – $150 a visit. Most health care insurance companies follow Medicare guidelines making it a covered benefit. As always confirm with your provider office on the price and availability of Telehealth options.
Q: Does co-pay and coinsurance apply for Telehealth visits?
A: Yes. I would also add that if you are in a high deductible plan, Telehealth allows for a more affordable options if you have not met your deductible.
Q: I heard that costs may be waived with my insurance company?
A: Health insurance companies in some cases are waiving copays and cost share for Telehealth visits for a period of time:
- mHealth Intelligence: BCBS Network waives Cost Sharing for Members for Telehealth Services
- CIGNA Takes Additional Actions to Protect Customers and Communities Against COVID-19
- United Health Care Expanded Options for COVID-19 Services
- Humana Takes Steps To Care For Members During Coronavirus
Q: What can I expect from a Telehealth visit?
A: Video: patient having a telehealth visit. The video visit types can vary but this video provides a general overview. Costs will vary amongst health care insurance companies and providers.
The bottom line, Telehealth options can bridge the gap with people and their physicians. It can enable people who are dealing with chronic conditions, whether diabetes or high blood pressure to stay in contact with their provider and maintain a check on their conditions. This has become especially important during COVID-19 as provider offices and hospitals are making mandatory or quickly adopting telehealth or virtual visits to allow an overburdened staff to care for quarantined patients and keeping the rest of the populations safe from spreading the virus.
References:
Telemedicine Emerges as Care Option during COVID-19 Outbreak
Medicare Expands Telehealth Options
VIDEO: PBS Telemedicine Puts the Doctor by Your Bedside