How to Get the Most Out of Telehealth Appointments and When to See a Doctor IRL

In the midst of this challenging week, Skip is committed to sharing the information  our users need to stay safe. We know that as curfews and protests continue across the nation in the wake of the killing George Floyd, as well as spikes in coronavirus cases, it might be challenging for you to reach a doctor's office.  

Even as cities and states open up, many feel safer at home. With that in mind, we caught up with Greg Rovner, CEO of telehealth platform Heally, to hear about how to have an effective telehealth appointment, the ways that virtual appointments can help us stay safe, and when you really should get to the doctor in person.

What are the Benefits of Telehealth?

Telehealth appointments minimize risk for both doctors and patients. "We believe telemedicine should be the first line of defense for all initial consultations that would not only keep patients and providers safe, but saves time for all parties. The less time spent in communal waiting rooms is key," said Rovner.

For everyone involved, being in a hospital or doctor's office right now is not ideal, so a virtual appointment that gets you the care you need is a great option.

What Do You Need for a Telehealth Appointment?

To have a successful telehealth appointment, Rovner suggests finding a quiet space, having a list of your concerns ready, and keeping medical information on hand like what medications you take. He also suggests positioning yourself in a well lit room, preferably near your Wi-Fi router if you're using internet (not data) to connect.  You can access telehealth appointments for Heally and other platforms through a mobile device; you don't need a computer if you don't have one. You will need something that has audio and visual capabilities and you should test speakers and video cameras before your visit to make sure that your provider will be able to see and hear you.

You do not need insurance to access telehealth through Heally. Platforms vary on that,  but if you do have insurance, it will probably cover telehealth appointments. If not, appointments on Heally are fairly affordable--$39.

"Of course, if you have great insurance that includes your preferred provider and you can get an appointment and pay an inexpensive co-pay, by all means use your insurance. But for anyone who does not have insurance or who has sky-high co-pays, going through a telemedicine platform such as Heally might be best to find a licensed, vetted provider at an affordable cost," said Rovner.

When Should You Really See A Doctor In Person?

You might be torn about when to actually go in to see a doctor because of the risks associated with being in medical spaces right now or civil unrest in your city making it difficult to travel. But if you are in immediate need of urgent care, you should get to an ER or doctor's office if at all possible.

Rovner said, "Any visits that don't require poking or prodding, for the most part, can be handled virtually. Things like mental health visits, follow-up appointments, prescription refill requests and even cannabis card renewals in states that require them, can be taken remotely. At Heally we even offer a COVID-19 assessment on our platform. That said, urgent is urgent. Any acute medical needs that might require an emergency room visit should absolutely be handled in-person. f you injure yourself and require medical attention - do not try to dial in a physician. Get yourself to the emergency room safely and see someone."

Stay safe everyone--Skip is here to support you!