As we age, it often becomes challenging to get to the doctor’s office every time we are feeling sick or have medical questions. Fortunately, the creation of telehealth for seniors offers a convenient and efficient way to receive medical care and support from the comfort of our own homes.
Telehealth enables health care providers to remotely deliver clinical health services and information to patients through devices like smartphones, tablets, home computers, or laptops. The connection between patients and care providers is through a telehealth program, app, or web site with video and audio capabilities.
Prior to the appointment, patients will receive a link or instructions as to how and when to set up the appointment. When the connection is made, the patient may be placed in a virtual waiting room.
What Happens During the Appointment?
The first person with whom the patient interacts onscreen could be a nurse or medical assistant, who will gather information before the doctor appears. Aside from the reason(s) that prompted the appointment request, you may be asked for background information to update records or establish care with a new provider. This may include:
- Medical history, including chronic conditions
- Prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and any herbal supplements taken
- The patient’s pharmacy phone number and address
- Primary doctor’s name and contact information
- Insurance and billing preferences
How to Prepare for the Appointment
In addition to the information in the section above, it is very important to be as thoroughly prepared as possible to make the most of the appointment.
During the telehealth appointment, caregivers and family members are allowed on the call with the doctor, as long as the patient agrees to share his or her personal health information with them.
The doctor may ask about the patient’s symptoms, including how long they have been experiencing them, how the symptoms have changed over time, what treatments or medications the patient has been taking, and if the symptoms have occurred in the past.
Before the appointment, the patient or family member should make a list of the topics that need to be discussed and questions to be asked. Also, all medications should be on hand to make sure they are being taken correctly.
Any relevant information the patient can supply will be helpful. If the topic is diabetes or blood pressure management, have a list of recent glucose or blood pressure readings to relay to the doctor. If a fever is the issue, supply a list of recorded temperatures. Please note when and how often symptoms have occurred to pass this along as well.
Find a quiet, well-lit place in the home with few background distractions for the appointment. The doctor will want to have a good view of the patient. Be prepared for a visit that lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
Though providers will email patient assessments and instructions after the call, have paper and pen handy to take notes during the visit.
After the visit, doctors can order prescriptions from the senior’s pharmacy. Ask your pharmacy to see if home delivery could be an option for you, especially when you are feeling sick.
Finally, if you or your family caregiver do not know if access to telemedicine is available to you, check with your doctor’s office or insurance carrier.
When to Use Telehealth for Seniors
Some items to discuss with a care provider via telehealth could include:
- Allergies
- Chronic illness management, including diabetes and high blood pressure
- Coughs and colds
- Follow-up visits
- Medication questions, adjustments/refills
- Mental health
- Minor infections
- Pain
- Rashes
- Sinus problems
- Sleep problems
- Specialist referrals
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- General wellness
Also, on average, a telehealth visit is less expensive than an office visit.
When You Shouldn’t Use Telehealth for Seniors
Telehealth for seniors is great for everyday health questions, those who need follow-up checks, or to discuss symptoms and issues that are not life-threatening. However, there are conditions for when a patient should not use telehealth and should seek emergency assistance instead. A partial list would include:
- Heart attack symptoms: aching or pressure in the chest or arms that may spread to the neck or jaw, lightheadedness, and breaking out into a cold sweat
- Stroke symptoms: numbness and weakness in face or arm, slurred speech, or trouble seeing
- Severe bleeding
- Severe trauma
In these instances, or for other serious symptoms, call 911 immediately. Telehealth is for non-emergency situations.
Insurance Coverage
Medicare Part B covers certain telehealth services. You can find more information on the Medicare.gov site.
Private insurers administer Medicare Advantage plans, so check with the insurance provider directly. Consult with any other private carrier the patient may use as well as the health care provider about coverage.
For more ways to stay healthy year round, visit the Health and Wellness section of our blog.
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