Telemedicine — or telehealth — is a popular method that uses safe and secure systems to provide high-quality medical care to patients right from their home. But not every medical interaction is ideal for virtual medical care.
Sometimes, a physical exam is needed to make the right health care decisions for patients. However, there are many situations where virtual visits are a great option.
At Prima Medicine, with locations in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia, our providers offer convenient telemedicine appointments for our patients. In addition to telemedicine appointments, we offer curbside testing and lab results, so your health needs can be met without the need for an in-person appointment.
To help you decide if a telemedicine visit is right for you, our team has put together a list of services and situations when a virtual visit could be useful. Here’s a closer look at what telemedicine is and when to consider it.
What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine is an easy and secure way for Prima Medicine patients to receive medical care virtually instead of coming into one of our offices for an in-person visit. You simply request a telemedicine appointment through our online tool, then follow the link to complete the digital registration forms.
On the date and time of your appointment, you just follow the link provided in your email invitation and meet with your provider face to face by way of your tablet or computer. Almost all major insurance providers cover telemedicine visits.
While in-office appointments may be necessary in some situations, such as a physical exam, many health issues can be handled safely and effectively through virtual care.
When should I consider telemedicine?
Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons to consider telemedicine:
Follow-up visits
If you visited Prima Medicine for an acute condition, such as an infection or injury, your provider may ask you to schedule a follow-up visit to make sure you’re progressing as expected. This visit will allow you to ask any questions or raise any concerns, and it will also give your provider the opportunity to provide additional treatment recommendations. Many times, these visits can be conducted virtually.
Medication refills and management
If your medication needs a refill or requires adjustment or monitoring, telemedicine appointments offer a convenient way to meet with your provider as physical exams aren’t usually required.
Viral infections
Viral infections, such as the flu and colds, are extremely contagious. Instead of risking spreading a virus to others, you can schedule a virtual visit for your initial evaluation and to determine whether you need an in-person visit. Prescription care and follow-up visits can also be handled virtually.
Chronic condition management
Many people with chronic illnesses, such as arthritis, congestive heart disease, high blood pressure, irritable bowel disease, and others, can benefit from virtual monitoring and treatment. This can make it more convenient to get care when you’re feeling unwell, and it can facilitate easier communication between you and your provider.
Behavioral health
If you have a mental or behavioral health condition, telemedicine makes it easier to stay in touch with your provider for follow-up visits, medication management, and checking in when things become challenging.
Additional conditions and reasons to consider telemedicine
In addition to the considerations listed above, many other health concerns can be addressed by using telemedicine, including:
- Referrals
- Allergies
- Preventative care
- Post-hospitalization support
- Assisted living support
- School-based support
If you have questions about the telemedicine services at Prima Medicine or want to better understand if it’s a good choice for your needs, call the office most convenient to you to find out. If you need to make an appointment, you can do so online or over the phone.
