COVID-19 has changed the way society works, and the way we interact with healthcare providers is one of the major changes the pandemic has caused. Many healthcare providers are now offering telehealth services to connect with their patients in a safe and responsible way.
Faith-based health share programs can help with the cost associated with these unique services.
Telehealth Is Growing
Telehealth is becoming the new norm in the world of medical assistance and was already on the rise before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Going forward, it may continue to be a popular choice among Americans, given the convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of telehealth.
What Do You Need for Your Telehealth Visit?
Accessing health care services remotely makes managing your health needs easy during these uncertain times. To take advantage of telehealth services, you need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access to connect with a health care provider. (If you don’t have a device with video capabilities, a telephone appointment can be set up to chat without video if appropriate.)
What Happens during Your Telehealth Visit?
During a typical medical appointment, doctors listen, observe, and ask and answer questions, all of which can be done virtually.
Virtual doctor appointments are similar in structure to a typical appointment, except that there is no need to be in the same room with a physician. With this type of visit, doctors can still check your health and answer all your questions.
Once you schedule your telehealth appointment, you will be provided with a link to join your doctor on video at the appointment time. When you click the link, you’ll be connected with your primary caregiver, who will go over your medical chart. (Note: If you are connecting with a doctor at a medical clinic you’ve never visited before, you will be required to confirm your identity and may be required to provide some personal information before the visit takes place.)
The doctor will then ask a few questions and allow you to explain your need for medical attention to accurately evaluate your situation. Based on your symptoms, the doctor may be able to diagnose your issue on the spot.
However, further evaluations may be needed for certain situations, and additional lab tests (such as urine or blood tests) may be requested. If so, your physician will send you a completed Order or requisition form to facilitate these tests.
Once a diagnosis is made, the doctor will provide instructions and advice to help you deal with your symptoms. The doctor may also write up a prescription if required and send it directly to a pharmacy for pick-up or delivery.
Types of Telehealth Services
Live video-conferencing is the most common and popular form of telehealth, but other types exist and include:
- Asynchronous video – This type of telehealth involves having a patient’s medical records sent to a physician electronically, which is especially helpful when rural-located healthcare providers must consult with specialists in another location.
- Remote patient monitoring – This form of telehealth involves collecting a patient’s health information and sending it to another healthcare professional for review. This is more commonly used in senior living settings to monitor patients’ vitals.
- Mobile health – Health-based software apps for mobile devices are becoming more popular and are used to support ongoing healthcare by monitoring a variety of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension.
Health Share Programs Support Telehealth Services
Telehealth appointments are often more cost-effective than traditional appointments in a doctor’s office, with some healthcare sharing programs offering unlimited visits with a $0 consult or visit fee.
Most medical plans now include telehealth coverage, but a health insurance policy is not your only option. Health share programs also have programs with telehealth services and benefits. You can become a member of a faith-based health share plan to deal with the expenses of medical care. Along with other people of faith, you can be a part of a group that offers you the help you need when the time comes to support your body as a temple of God. At the same time, as a member, you will be able to help others in their time of need.
Connect with us today to learn more about your options for healthcare sharing, including telehealth services.
