In-person doctor appointment not an option? Perhaps a telehealth at home appointment is

Telehealth at home appointments allow you to be seen by your provider as if you and your provider are in the same room. With advancements in technology, telehealth at home appointments can be a more convenient way of delivering health care.

At Marshfield Clinic Health System, this has evolved from being an appointment type that used to require patients to come to their nearest Health System location to see and speak to their provider via a video conference connection. Now, telehealth at home appointments can connect patients to their provider from the patient’s home either via a laptop or other mobile device; or by phone.

Benefits of telehealth at home

During situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, using telehealth at home appointments allows providers to keep seeing patients, but from the safety of the patient’s home.

“Telehealth at home has been constantly evolving and changing quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chris Meyer, Director, Virtual Health, at Marshfield Clinic Health System. “It is pretty mind-boggling the advances we’ve made in a short period of time. We now have over 1,400 providers capable of providing telehealth-at-home appointments.”

Using an app that supports a telehealth at home appointment, you can connect to your provider through your computer, tablet or smartphone. If you are familiar with FaceTime or Skype, the app works in a similar fashion.

Telehealth at home visits can help treat and manage conditions like diabetes, behavioral health, some heart conditions and much more. Behavioral health has been a leader in using telehealth at home appointing. This specialty uses this type of appointment to see patients with mental health needs, therapy counseling and for psychiatry services like medication adjustments.

Patients who live in rural communities may find telehealth at home appointing useful for routine checkups or minor health issues like eye infections or pain management.

“Telehealth at home has been incredibly important for our smaller clinic centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person appointing is not as available,” Meyer said. ”By using telehealth at home, folks don’t have to drive long distances to be seen at larger locations, which keeps them safe from exposure to COVID-19.”

If you need to schedule an appointment with a Health System provider or care team, contact your doctor’s office to see if a telehealth at home appointment is an option for you.

Security Health Plan, Medicare and Medicaid do offer coverage for these visits similar to in-person office visits. For commercial insurance coverage, check with your insurance provider, although most are providing coverage through the duration of the COVID-19 National Emergency.

Another option for quick care, is Care My Way also at Marshfield Clinic Health System. Learn more.

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