How Telehealth Can Support the Health of Your Family
By Troy Nelson, MD, medical director and pediatrician
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A March 2021 survey found that 61% of respondents had used telehealth vs. less than 20% in March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic created a need for a safe way to visit with a medical provider to get non-emergent medical care, and telehealth was the answer. At District Medical Group (DMG), including DMG Children’s Rehabilitative Services (DMG CRS), we offer telehealth appointments and have encouraged patients to use this technology to continue care for themselves and their families.
Even for patients that have complex conditions, telehealth can be used to support ongoing treatment and ensure patients remain healthy and on course with prescribed treatment plans during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Here’s some ways telehealth is being used to support the health of patients and support their families:
Intake Appointments for New Patients
While we love to meet new patients and their families in-person, their health and safety is our number one priority. Fortunately, through a telehealth meeting, we can gather all needed information about our new patient, understand the patient’s health and wellness goals and begin development of a treatment plan.
Consultations with Specialty Providers
Like intake appointments, when a new medical specialist is being engaged to support a patient’s health, a consultation between the patient and medical specialist may be able to be completed through a telehealth appointment. Assuming the patient is established with a DMG primary care provider (PCP) and other DMG providers to support their health, the new medical specialist will have access to the patient’s electronic medical records and can easily view the patient’s medical history and discuss next steps.
If the patient has a regular follow-up scheduled with a DMG specialty physician, it may be able to be completed through a telehealth appointment. Through a telehealth appointment, the patient’s physician can determine if an in-person visit is needed based on how the patient is doing on their treatment plan.
Behavioral Health Visits
Because a physical examination is not needed, behavioral health visits are among the easiest to facilitate through telehealth. COVID-19 has been stressful for people of all ages. That’s why maintaining scheduled visits with a behavioral health specialist is important.
Primary Care for Minor Illnesses or Injuries
If a patient has a minor scrape or bruise that is concerning or woke up with a cough, mild fever, or other non-emergent symptoms, we recommend the patient to contact their PCP to see if a telehealth visit is appropriate. In some cases, minor symptoms can be easily diagnosed and treatment prescribed without an in-person examination.
Reengaging with Your Medical Providers
If regular medical appointments were missed during the COVID-19 pandemic, a telehealth appointment is a good way to reengage with a medical provider(s). Through a telehealth visit, medical updates can be provided so the physician can determine the patient’s present health status and make appropriate referrals.
The health, wellbeing and safety of your family is our number one priority. At DMG, we’re here for you providing options to ensure your treatment plan stays on-track and support you in living a happy and healthy life.
