Healthcare in a Time of Covid
A guide to the most effective Telehealth session.
Amidst the efforts to flatten the curve, shelter in place and prevent spread of Covid- citizens of the world are trying to stay healthy and safe. Besides trying to avoid or recover from Covid-19, people are wondering what to do about their non-covid related health problems, issues that existed before the pandemic or have occurred while sheltering in place.
How are we supposed to manage all of this at home ?
The biggest struggle with existing medical conditions has been staying on course with treatment plans. Elective procedures and many in office appointments must be postponed for all of our safety. But all is not lost, thankfully many doctors are able to have video/tele-health sessions. Seeing your doctor in person is always preferred but, there are ways to get the most out of your virtual appointment.
Here are some tips I have learned by being the doctor, patient and companion:
3 things you should do before the visit -
Tech Check: Make sure your computer or cell phone is capable of video conference. Do a test run with a friend or family member. Read any emails your provider may have sent in advance. Look for instructions on how to connect and double check that your doc has sent a link. Mine initially forgot the first time.
Hey, telehealth may be new for the doctor too !
Be prepared ! Sometimes the providers will send a list of things for you to do prior to the visit.
Some docs will send a link for you to to securely upload photos or files.
My OB/GYN had sent me a list of materials that she would need to adequately manage my prenatal visits from home: a scale, blood pressure cuff and urine strips. I needed to order them prior to my virtual visit.
Write down your questions. It is easy to get side tracked on pleasantries and catching up- the doctor’s time may be limited and you want to make sure you address your issues. Remember this is a virtual office and you can't pop back into the room for one last quick question.
Address the worst case scenario
What to do in an emergency? Always ask the hard question- what if there is an emergency? Should I call the office? Is there a doctor on call (on duty for emergencies) ? Do I go to the emergency room? Emergency rooms are under a lot of pressure dealing with the pandemic but they are open for care. Check with your doctor for the right protocol and which hospital they prefer if needed.
Plan ahead
Discuss when it may be necessary for an in office visit. There may be a timeline for which they would like to see you in person. Ask for a list of signs or symptoms that would prompt an in office visit sooner.
Update your contact info:
Confirm your email, phone number and pharmacy with the doctor before hanging up just in case you need something. This is usually done by the office staff when you get to the office and the doctor won’t know if there have been changes to this information since your last visit unless you tell them.
Set up your patient portal or online communication with the office if they have one. This will allow you to stay in contact and not feel so isolated from your healthcare team.
Follow up:
If your appointment was cancelled due to covid but hasn’t been rescheduled- be proactive, call the office and see what your next steps should be.
For those that were attending Physical Therapy, reach out to your provider they will likely have some home exercises to do while safely sheltering in place if you aren’t comfortable going into the office. Don’t fall behind on your recovery.
The help you need is still out there.
- Be well, Dr.D