Going to the doctor is not easy for many older, sick patients. Whether it’s navigating through traffic and harsh weather conditions or simply having to travel at all, doctor’s visits can be taxing both physically and emotionally for older people. Telehealth allows patients to forgo the commute and speak with a physician or other medical practitioner from the comfort of their own homes. In this article, we will discuss how telehealth can reduce travel stress. We will also explore the pros and cons of telehealth, how to access the service, its cost, and whether or not it is covered by insurance.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a way of delivering medical services through digital communication. Rather than having to visit a medical facility, patients can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone to connect with a health provider.
Resource: telehealth.hhs.gov
What Kind of Services Are Provided?
Telehealth services can be used for virtually anything non-emergent, including routine checkups, medication management, mental health services, urgent care, and more. Moreover, many specialists are now offering initial consultations and follow-up visits remotely.
Is Telehealth Private and Secure?
According to federal law (HIPAA), health professionals must protect your personal health information. The majority of telehealth software is secure and encrypted, so your privacy is guaranteed as long as you are using an app provided by your healthcare practitioner.
Advantages of Telehealth
Telehealth offers numerous benefits, particularly for those with mobility issues or limited access to specialists.
No Travel Required
Traveling around Colorado Springs can be a nightmare, particularly if you have to get on I-25 or Powers Boulevard. Telehealth eliminates the need for travel, as routine visits can be handled from home. Not only will you save time and reduce stress, but you will also forgo the burden of navigating through parking lots and waiting rooms.
Easier for Those with Mobility Issues
For the patients who use a walker or a wheelchair, or who have difficulty leaving the house without assistance, visiting a medical practitioner can be an ordeal. Telehealth offers the ability to receive medical attention from the comfort of an armchair in a living room. Virtual care removes many of the logistical barriers that can prevent people from receiving timely medical attention.
Increased Access to Specialists
While Colorado Springs is a fairly large city, there may be a wait to see a specialist or practitioner of your choice. Telehealth allows you to receive attention from specialists in Denver or anywhere else in the state without having to make the long, exhausting trip.
How Telehealth Can Help with Travel-Related Stress
One of the primary benefits of telehealth is the elimination of travel-related stress.
Chronic Care Management
Many common senior health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis, require regular monitoring and ongoing care. Telehealth makes it easier to manage chronic conditions and reduces the stress associated with them. Patients can communicate with healthcare practitioners from the comfort of their own homes, which eliminates the need to travel to a practitioner’s office.
Less Traveling
Traveling to your health care provider’s office every few weeks can be a burden. Telehealth allows your provider to review your blood pressure log, your blood sugar levels, or other health information remotely. Your care schedule remains the same, but you don’t need to travel for it.
Benefits to Mental Health
Having to plan and execute a trip to your provider’s office, such as arranging transportation, checking the weather, or sitting in a waiting room, can cause stress. Telehealth eliminates much of the logistics, which can improve your mental health. Instead of focusing on travel, you focus on your care.
Access to Telehealth
While using a new tool can be daunting, today’s telehealth systems are generally user-friendly.
What Technology Do You Need?
You need a device with a camera and microphone, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and an internet connection. Typically, a link is sent to your email or texted to your smartphone. You click on the link at the time of your appointment, and the video visit starts.
Resource: hrsa.gov
Help Learning the Telehealth Platform
Most clinics in Colorado Springs offer technical support to help you set up your first virtual visit. For example, a medical assistant calls you a few days before your appointment and walks you through the process. In addition, organizations like the Pikes Peak Library District and senior centers offer computer and smartphone classes for older adults.
What If You Don’t Have Internet or a Smart Device
If you don’t have internet or a smart device, most providers offer audio-only telehealth visits. You can talk to your provider over a standard telephone. That way, everyone can access remote care, even if they don’t have the right technology.
Insurance and Costs
For older people on a fixed income, it is important to understand the cost of telehealth.
Medicare and Medicaid
In recent years, Medicare has greatly expanded the number of telehealth visits it covers. Traditional Medicare Part B covers virtual visits, mental health counseling, and preventive services like health screenings. Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) covers many telehealth services, too. You pay the same deductible and copay as you would for an in-person visit.
Costs
Generally, telehealth visits cost the same as in-person visits under most insurance plans. However, you save money because you don’t need to pay for gas, parking, or bus fare.
Local Services
Agewell in Colorado Springs operates on a sliding fee scale and offers low-cost telehealth visits for older adults who are uninsured or underinsured.
When to Go to the Doctor’s Office
There are some limitations to virtual healthcare. Your provider can’t give you a vaccination, take your blood, or do an X-ray. She can’t do a complete physical exam through a computer screen. If you need immediate attention for severe abdominal pain or chest pain, or you need an in-person physical exam, you need to go to the doctor’s office or emergency room.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Sometimes your internet service is interrupted, or the software freezes. If your video connection fails during a telehealth visit, most providers will switch over to a telephone call to finish your appointment. You won’t lose your visit with the doctor just because your internet connection fails.
Final Thoughts
Telehealth is a great option for older people in Colorado Springs who want to reduce the stress of commuting to their doctor appointments. It allows you to manage your chronic disease, talk with specialists, and do routine follow-ups from the comfort of your own home. If you’re interested in reducing the stress of your medical appointments, contact AgeWell Medical to schedule a telehealth visit for your next routine follow-up appointment.