New in 2016: Telehealth

You’ve probably noticed the TV ads and mail announcing that telehealth services are now available.  These services are being offered in 2016 by health insurance companies and from health care providers, such as hospitals and pharmacies.

Telehealth represents virtual medicine; a new level of innovation and technology in the Nebraska health care market.  You can access a doctor electronically who will talk with you and may also see you through a digital device with a camera.  Smart phones, tablets, laptop computers, and desktop computers can be used.    Telehealth services will provide a diagnosis and prescribe medication for common illnesses such as the flu or low level infections.

To use the services, you need to establish an online account with the telehealth service provider.  You will be asked to provide basic information about yourself, your health history, and the reason for your doctor visit.  Some services will allow you to select a physician or you may be assigned the next available one. Then you wait for your turn or you wait for a return phone call.

I used the service last Saturday afternoon for the first time.  I’d had a cold and thought it was just about done when it turned into a sinus infection.  Since I’ve dealt with several sinus infections in my lifetime, I was pretty certain of the symptoms.  I wanted to start an antibiotic as soon as possible.  I had 2 choices – either go to an Urgent Care Clinic or try the telehealth option.  My insurance company had sent information about the telehealth service and I had already downloaded the app onto my smartphone.  It took me about 10 minutes to work through completing the personal information that was requested on the app, and then I selected a doctor and was told there were 2 patients ahead of me.  My wait was about 15 minutes, which is no different than if I had gone to a doctor’s office.  When it was my turn, the doctor’s camera and my camera were activated so that I could see her and she could see me.  My phone had a split screen on it showing both people at the same time.  The doctor asked me questions about my symptoms and agreed that it was a sinus infection, then prescribed an antibiotic.  The prescription was electronically transmitted to the pharmacy that I had chosen.  I was able to pick up the prescription in 30 minutes.  I received an email that was a report of my doctor visit.

The cost for my visit was $49.  Since I am using the telehealth service offered by my health insurance company, the fee will apply to my deductible.  Please note that a telehealth service offered by a hospital or pharmacy may not be interfaced with your health insurance.  That’s an important question to ask before using the service.

No doubt, services like this will continue to expand.  It appears to be a good option during times of the day or night when your doctor is not available or when you are traveling.  It will not replace the relationship with your doctor, but can be effective in treating these types of common illnesses.

For those of us who used to watch The Jetsons, their futuristic world is becoming our reality!

 


by Chris McPike, Vice President
ComPro Insurance

402-488-5100 | www.comproins.com