This story was contributed by Mary Claire T. Abbot, MD, Family Medicine, Nuvance Health Medical Practice.
What to expect from a telehealth appointment
Whether you or your family are feeling unwell, need a follow-up appointment or a prescription refill, telehealth can be a convenient way to receive the care you and your family need.
Telehealth provides a wide range of access to healthcare, especially for families in rural or underserved areas. It eliminates geographical barriers and ensures that patients can receive quality care regardless of their location. Telehealth appointments are especially helpful for busy moms who are balancing everything from toddler nap schedules to after school activities.
Find a Nuvance Health doctor for a telehealth visit.
Benefits of telehealth visits
Telehealth continues to be a preferred choice for many moms due to several key benefits:
Reduces the chance of bringing germs home: No matter how many times you tell your children to sit still and not touch everything in sight, they just don’t listen. Telehealth minimizes the need for in-person visits which helps limit exposure to germs and viruses in the doctor’s office.
Saves time and stress: Whether you’re putting your child down for a nap or you’re on a family vacation 500 miles away, telehealth appointments can be attended from virtually anywhere with a reliable internet connection, saving you travel time.
Flexible scheduling: Telehealth offers flexible appointment times, making it easier for moms with busy schedules.
Manageable follow-up visits from home: For moms taking care of their child who is sick with a cold or flu, telehealth simplifies follow-up appointments and makes ongoing care more manageable from the comfort of your home.
Knowing when telehealth is right for you and your family
Telehealth appointments can be helpful in many cases, such as:
- You or your loved one is sick while you’re on vacation
- If you have a child or a loved one that is sick and you can’t leave the house
- You’re sick and you can’t leave your child or loved one home alone
- Have a prescription that needs to be filled
- Discussing lab or test results with your doctor
Tips to prepare for a telehealth visit
- Find a quiet, well-lit space and test your camera and microphone.
- Connect your device to the internet.
- Update your device software and apps if necessary.
- Make sure your device is charged if it’s not plugged into a power supply.
- Have your medical history and a list of your medications ready along with your dosage.
- Prepare a list of any symptoms, concerns or questions you want to discuss.
- Have a notebook and pen ready to take down notes.
- Login to your appointment at least ten minutes early.
How telehealth covers all your family’s needs
Telehealth isn’t only limited to primary care. You could also schedule appointments for various specialties such as heart and vascular, cancer care, neurology, women’s health, digestive health and more. Depending on you and your family’s situation, specialists can evaluate conditions, provide diagnoses and develop treatment plans tailored to specific needs. However, there may be a chance you will have to visit them in person.
When to see a doctor in person
While telehealth offers convenience and accessibility for moms with a busy schedule, there are times where an in-person visit with a doctor is necessary:
Emergency situations: If anyone is experiencing a medical emergency, such as chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, it’s important to get immediate help by calling 911.
Physical examinations: Some medical conditions require a physical examination. This includes procedures like diagnostic tests or screenings that cannot be done virtually.
Surgical consultations: If surgery is needed, you’ll likely have to meet with your doctor in person for pre-surgical assessments and follow up care.
Ongoing or complex conditions: Regular in-person appointments may be necessary to manage your care effectively.
Find a Nuvance Health primary care provider near me.
The bottom line: Telehealth has grown over the past couple years and will remain an integral part of medical care. With the advancement of technology, healthcare is becoming more accessible, convenient and patient-centered. Telehealth allows you to connect with trusted healthcare professionals from the comfort of your own home, ensuring that you and your family receive the care you need when you need it.
Dr. Abbot is a family medicine physician at Nuvance Health. She cares for children, older adults and pregnant people. She loves collaborating with patients, staff and Family Medicine residents to provide comprehensive care, with attention to the psychosocial impacts on individuals’ health.
