We know it’s not always easy (or preferred) to leave your home for medical care right now. That’s why we’ve expanded our virtual care options. Video visits, sometimes also called telehealth or virtual visits, allow you to safely talk from home with your doctor about any new or ongoing health condition.
Let’s learn more.
Expanded Virtual Care
Virtual visits have been around for several years, but have become more available with recent social distancing recommendations. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends virtual visits as way to limit exposure to infection. That said, we’ve implemented many safety measures to ensure our facilities are safe for you should you have to visit one of our hospital or office locations.
Although the idea of talking to your doctor through your smartphone, tablet or computer may seem a bit different at first, we assure that you can connect with your primary and specialty care providers while getting many of your health needs met.
A Typical Virtual Visit
A virtual visit is the closest option to an in-person visit, providing a convenient option for a face-to-face appointment with your primary care physician, specialist or other health care provider. In many cases, your provider can deliver a diagnosis and treatment plan just like you would during an in-person visit.
If you need a prescription, your provider will call it into your pharmacy. And, many providers will follow up to check on you after you connect online.
Who Benefits from Virtual Visits
Video visits can be an effective first choice for your medical care right now. If a video visit reveals that you need to see a doctor in person, your provider can help you schedule it. This helps limit your need to venture out of your home, while also being a more convenient option for those with busy home and work schedules.
Maximizing Your Video Visit
When you’re ready to talk with one of our experts through a video visit, the first step is to download the AdventHealth App. Once you’ve downloaded the app and set up a visit, test your device to make sure that your Internet connection, microphone and camera are working correctly. You can also ensure a smooth visit by:
- Closing any unnecessary programs on your device
- Finding a well-lit room so that your provider can clearly see you
- Setting the camera at eye level
- Turning off your television or music to reduce background noise
According to AdventHealth Primary Care Provider, Melissa Morello, MD “Virtual primary care visits are great to ensure the safety of our patients during COVID-19. You can make the most of your virtual visit by knowing your numbers for: Blood Pressure, Pulse, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Blood Sugar. You can identify these numbers by getting a portable blood pressure cuff to use at home and recording your blood pressure and pulse just prior to your scheduled visit, keeping track of your most recent weight and height, and if you are a diabetic, keeping track of your blood sugar logs. Providing these numbers to your doctor gives them a better overall picture of your health”.
Preparing for Your Virtual Visit
Now that you have the technology part down, here’s how to get the most from your conversation with a provider:
- Get comfortable by propping up your phone or other device and wearing appropriate clothing
- Have a paper and pen ready to take notes
- Have your doctor’s office and pharmacy phone number
- Choose a private space to discuss your medical information
- Write down your prepared questions
Your Information is Protected, Too
Virtual visits offer you the trusted whole-person care you’ve come to expect from us. Any health information shared during an online visit is protected just as it would be if you made a visit to the doctor’s office, outpatient clinic or hospital.
When to Get Emergency Care Instead
While it’s important to avoid the emergency room (ER) except in the event of a true emergency, some conditions require in-person care right away. Critical symptoms that require a call to 911 or immediate trip to the ER include:
- Any sudden or severe pain
- Chest or upper abdominal pressure or pain
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Difficulty speaking
- Seizure
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Sudden face drooping
- Uncontrolled bleeding
The Virtual Care You Need
If you have a health concern, we are here to heal and ease your worries as well. Many of our providers are offering online visits to evaluate and treat a wide range of conditions, from minor ailments to specialty care, COVID-19 symptoms, wellness checkups or prescriptions.
Learn more about how our video visits can help support your safe whole-person care.
