Telemedicine emerges as care option during outbreak
Got a worrisome rash? You can still see a doctor if you can’t leave home during the coronavirus outbreak.
U.S. public health officials, hospitals and insurance companies are pushing people to try telemedicine for their allergies, earaches and other minor problems and skip the doctor’s office or clinic.
It’s also a way to check in with a doctor if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
Virtual care has long been touted as a way to get help quickly instead of waiting days to see a doctor, yet Americans have been slow to embrace it. There are signs that may be changing because of COVID-19.
Here’s a closer look at how telemedicine works.
What is telemedicine?
Got a smartphone, tablet or computer? That’s all you really need to use telemedicine, sometimes called telehealth or virtual visits.
It refers to a video visit with a remotely located care provider like a doctor or therapist over a secure connection. The patient uses a website link or an app to connect.
Some telemedicine outlets also offer a version using text messages between a doctor and patient who may not actually speak to or see each other.
Telemedicine often involves diagnosing and treating a new health problem but is also used to keep tabs on an existing, longterm conditions like diabetes. It’s more than calling to get a prescription refill, although doctors can write some prescriptions, like antibiotics, after a telemedicine visit.
Who offers it?
Insurers and hospital systems are frequent sources. In fact, your email inbox may have an offer from one of those providers urging you to try it now because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The federal government said recently that it will immediately expand telemedicine access to help people with Medicare, its coverage program for those 65 and older as well as younger patients who qualify because of a disability. And it urged states to expand the service to those enrolled in Medicaid, the government coverage program for people with low incomes.
Prices vary. But many insurance companies and other providers are temporarily waiving fees to push more people to use some virtual care.
Check before your visit with the insurer or employer that provides your coverage. The plan may not cover some specialty care like virtual therapy sessions or it may offer limited coverage.
What if you don’t have insurance? You can pay out-of-pocket through some telemedicine providers. MDLive treats mostly through video chats and charges $75 for an urgent care visit. Another company, 98point6, charges a $20 annual fee and then $1 for each visit. The company diagnoses and treats through secure text messaging.
What is telemedicine for?
Sinus infections, bronchitis, the flu, asthma, pink eye or fevers are just a few examples. Telemedicine can handle a lot of care that would normally send patients to a doctor’s office or drugstore clinic.
Dermatologists can examine warts or moles remotely. Therapists also can treat anxiety, depression or stress while allowing patients to remain at home where they feel more comfortable.
Patients worried about the coronavirus also can get a quick cyber consultation with a doctor.
What are its limits?
A virtual physician cannot treat chest pains, broken bones or cuts that need stitches. That doctor also won’t be able to perform a coronavirus test.
In some cases, they also may have to refer patients to another doctor for an in-person visit.
Telemedicine providers often tout their ability to connect patients with help in a matter of minutes. But a surge in coronavirusfueled demand has slowed response times for some providers.