Telemedicine

[alphamale]

So my dad's cardiologist scheduled a televisit for him next week.  They had to give us some pretty detailed info on how to set up the meeting thru Zoom.  If you use a phone you must use Zoom and if you use a laptop you don't need Zoom.  Wtf is Zoom anyways?  I have to download it from the Apps Store.

Anyone done Telemedicine before?  What was it like?  This is the first time anyone in our family has done this.  I don't know what to expect.

[preraph]

Man I have no idea. I assumed I would have to use my phone and not my PC because I'm hoping my PC doesn't have a freaking camera in it. I guess you should just start by downloading zoom on the app. It's basically a video conference call. I don't know how they're supposed to do a physical exam with it. 

Bend over!!

 

I need to do something about an ear infection but there's no way they're going to be able to see there on a camera. 

[alphamale]

yep preraph, i guess some visits will still have to be in person

[Happy Lemming]

Yes... I set up both "Zoom" and "Microsoft Teams meeting" on my computer, so my girlfriend could utilize telemedicine for several of her doctor's appointments.

About 5 years ago, I had a job where I was using "Skype", so I had a web-cam and a microphone in storage from that time. I dug them out of an old storage box, proceeded to download the drivers for the webcam, but none were required for the microphone.

I then downloaded the "Zoom" software on my computer and followed the set-up instructions.  It was easy.

Another doctor required "Microsoft Teams Meeting" for an appointment, so I downloaded that software and had to also download "Google Chrome" for some reason.  That setup was a little harder, but I fumbled my way through it and she was able to "telemedicine" with that doctor, as well. (who renewed some much needed prescriptions)

"V" has used "Zoom" several times and its worked out quite well for telemedicine appointments.  There is an app for "Zoom" if you have a smart phone.  For me, the computer with stationary webcam and microphone worked out much better.

You'll have no trouble with it.  The doctor may provide a "Zoom" meeting code to type in for the appointment.  That makes it super easy!!

[Happy Lemming]

38 minutes ago, alphamale said:

  Wtf is Zoom anyways?

It is a software program that allows two or more people to see each other and talk from their respective locations.

Did you ever use "Skype"??  It is "skype" for two or more people.

 

[alphamale]

10 hours ago, Happy Lemming said:

It is a software program that allows two or more people to see each other and talk from their respective locations.

Did you ever use "Skype"??  It is "skype" for two or more people.

 

thanks HL, no, i never used skype

[K.K.]

Alpha, I’ve done this with my mom. Not the particular way or app you’re talking about but it has to be similar. Her‘s is called something else. 

It’s easy as far as downloading it. They wanted me to put in a credit card number though and I called the office and reminded them she had Medicare. They said this is just how it’s done 😒 and said that they wouldn’t charge it. I also put in her insurance info. They’ve never charged the card and she’s used it three times. But it was 85$ a ‘visit’. 

I wouldn’t think it would be for an extensive visit but it works fine to get refills on her scripts. See that’s how they get more money. They don’t let me just call anymore to get refills. That would be too easy and they’d make no money. 😒

They send you a text or email and tell you when to show up. Make sure you have your phone, if you use that, set to allow the microphone and camera. Turn up the speakers. Yea it’s a little awkward but it works half ass. It’s actually pretty decent if you need a visit but I don’t know about something requiring more than refills or maybe they could try to diagnose whatever to call in some antibiotics or something of that nature. 

But I mean, you don’t even have to leave the house so it works ok. 

That’s been my experience with it. Hope it works ok for your dad. 

[alphamale]

thanks KK

[K.K.]

Hey, you’re welcome! 🙂 if you think of any other questions let me know. You’ll do fine with it though, I think. It’s probably not too different from what I used. 

[Redhead14]

I used my computer with camera and microphone.  Any devices that have those things available works.  It's not difficult to do at all.  The doctor's office sends an email to confirm the appointment.  The email gives download/set up instructions.  The office then calls you shortly before time to join the conference and asks some check up health questions - weight, height, etc., confirms address/contact info. and then offers help launching the program if necessary.  My doctor's office was there step by step if needed.

Edited May 1, 2020 by Redhead14

[preraph]

That's probably what I'll have to do to get my prescriptions refilled. But I need an actual doctor visit or two.  I need to find out if my clinic is even having them in Oklahoma.  

 

I just checked and my clinic still isn't open.  But they said it might be later in the month.

Edited May 1, 2020 by preraph

[Gr8fuln2020]

Zoom is a common video-conferencing tool widely used by businesses and now, schools. The person who needs to join a zoom meeting simply installs an application to do so and will not need to pay for anything. The host or the doctor will provide the link or meeting ID and the password to enter the meeting at the designated time. Depending on your computer, you will have access to both audio/video. Good luck. 

[Ruby Slippers]

16 hours ago, preraph said:

I need to do something about an ear infection but there's no way they're going to be able to see there on a camera. 

I did my first and only medical e-visit a couple of months ago for an ear infection. With my insurance's e-visit, you just fill out a form and a doctor or nurse practitioner follows up with you via email. Their form didn't include ear infection as an issue they could address with the e-visit, but I just selected headache and explained my situation in the comments. The nurse emailed me an hour later to clarify, I told her it was an ear infection and I'd had them before, just needed the antibiotic drops. She called in the prescription and I picked it up. It was $15 for the e-visit and $20 for the ear drops. Normally the copay for a specialist is $50, so this saved me $35, plus driving time and hassle. Telemedicine is long overdue.

[preraph]

Yes, but since I've had some swelling down low in my throat, I want to make sure that's what it is, because I've had that for a few weeks, like down below the tonsils, maybe a lymph or thyroid.  I need them to look.  

[Ruby Slippers]

Gotcha. Doesn't sound like an ear infection, as you'd most likely be in a lot of pain if it went untreated a few days. I hope you can get it resolved soon.

[BC1980]

I did telemedicine in January, but it was through an app on my phone. My employer gives us 5 free visits through a company called MD Live. I had to answer some questions about symptoms and whatnot. Then, they put me in a queue and messaged me in 10 minutes to say that the doctor was ready. 
 

He asked me some questions, and it was all pretty quick. It was like Face Time. He sent my prescriptions to my pharmacy. I had never done it before, but it was so much better than sitting in a waiting room. I think it's a good tool for basic stuff, people in rural areas, and people that don't drive. 

[alphamale]

7 hours ago, Ruby Slippers said:

Telemedicine is long overdue.

for most straight forward issues, yes

[sothereiwas]

Well it's been available for years even in the little backwater where I live. I think no one wanted it before, perhaps. The office is just a few minutes away, I generally went in for past visits. 

[carhill]

Some friends have been seeing their patients via tele-medicine from home since the hospitals shut down, mostly checking up on surgeries they did and scheduling suture removals and other followups for when the hospitals reopen. I was kind of fascinated by the whole thing, living rural my whole adult life and working in a dangerous industry. I had no idea people relied on medical folks for routine stuff so much. Seems like the tele-medicine works good for triaging symptoms and followups and some hand-holding for worried patients. I've got most of the gear absent an EKG machine so never really thought about that unless things warranted emergency care. It's pretty easy to self-check and self-diagnose common stuff. Since the -19 deal I've been watching oxygen saturation and blood pressure more than usual, so far no issues. Some folks need a doctor for that stuff but that's a 50 mile roundtrip and everything is pretty much shut down right now. Unless the patient has the gear and knows how to use it, it's difficult for the doc/PA/nurse to test that kind of stuff over the phone/internet, rather rely on patient described symptoms.

One roadblock, apparently underscored in the starting post, is patients being knowledgeable about teleconferencing apps. I use Facetime on Apple and Duo on Android devices but a lot of folks, especially the elderly, are clueless about that stuff. It takes doctor/PA/nurse handholding to get that part of the deal going too. Medically challenged folks may also be technologically challenged too. Quite the pickle.

[Happy Lemming]

7 minutes ago, carhill said:

...especially the elderly, are clueless about that stuff.

Funny you should mention this... my father who is 90 years old got a call from one of his doctor's who wanted to set up a "Zoom" appointment with him.  Of course, he didn't understand and called me.

He has no computer nor cell phone and can barely operate his television remote, I don't understand why the doctor's office would even suggest that to him.

I told him to call them back and tell them you have no way to attend a "Zoom" telemedicine appointment and ask them if you can just talk to your doctor via your land line.

[carhill]

Yep, the guys I was listening to regarding their patients are younger, 50's, but their patients are often older, 60's-80's, and surgeries related to cardio-vascular stuff or orthopedic stuff. Evidently a lot of older people either totally missed out on the mobile/computer explosion or don't know anything about it other than keeping in touch with family. That makes sense. Perhaps someday there will be a 'smart' health appliance built into each home that can telemeter data from patients via hookups or a scan to medical robots who will do the triage and diagnostic work and maybe even treatment. In a more trusting world, I wouldn't mind having such a machine, especially if it could dispense meds or do minor surgeries with a sterile field. I've found suturing up one's hand is tough when there's only one hand to do it with. I end up using my teeth sometimes. Works though. Fugget about doing back stuff, I've done a few cysts and even with 12" forceps it's a pity working in the mirror. I had a regular doctor take the one off my head, she did a great job, real magic hands with the sutures can't even see the scar. Anyway, good time to be healthy.

[BaileyB]

We are using zoom for appointments. It’s pretty user friendly, once you get the hang of it. It’s not exactly secure, which is why we are limiting discussion about personal information during the visits. 
 

I agree, telehealth is long overdue, I do feel badly for the older people who are having to learn this new technology in a short period of time. It’s a lot to take in during a stressful time. 
 

Sadly, I think this is the new reality for a while. We are continuing to use it at work and my doctor sent an email today saying they are continuing to use it to screen all appointments, they will then decide who needs an in person visit. It’s all about risk management and conservation of PPE.

Edited May 2, 2020 by BaileyB

[Lotsgoingon]

I had a video session with my nurse practitioner two weeks ago. Totally normal. I was so happy to "see" her and she me. We have a great bond, and that bond carried on via video meeting. I updated her, asked the questions I needed to ask ... we made jokes ... totally normal. 

Traditionally, I think insurance companies required one of the two people to be in an office ... as in my nurse practitioner would need to be in her office when we talk via video or I would have to be in a medical office talking to her off site..

But that rule has apparently been suspended (reasonably so!) during the time of the virus. 

 

[alphamale]

so my dad's first telemedicine visit with his cardiologist went pretty well.  my dad liked it.  zoom was pretty easy to use.  the doctor was about an hour late for the appt but that is nothing new

[Happy Lemming]

28 minutes ago, alphamale said:

 the doctor was about an hour late for the appt but that is nothing new

Same here for "V"'s doctor appointment.  She logged in, put in the code and sat in the virtual waiting room for about 15 minutes before the doctor opened the Zoom meeting/appointment.

Glad it all went well.

"V" has a Zoom doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon.  It is a safe way for her to keep her appointments and she is starting to like it.

Good health to you and your Dad!!