Page 3 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2021 - 28-04

Senior Times - April 2021 Page 3
PREPARING FOR A TELEHEALTH WELLNESS VISIT
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
The joy of spring and a completed vaccina- tion schedule has got many eager to head out again. In order to continue living independent- ly in your home, managing your health care needs is important. Whether you’re managing your health on your own, have family and friends for accountability, or even have sched- uled home health aide visits, it’s a good idea to check in annually.
To connect with a doctor for a virtual visit, at a minimum you need a telephone line. These days, most providers are also looking to connect with you visually. This will require the internet, and a high-speed connection tends to work a lot better than a slower link. Ideally a faster broadband connection provides a clearer picture without lag.
to make sure that your equipment is ready beforehand to prevent delays. Check that the volume is up and camera access has been granted to the appropriate application before the call starts.
If you’ve had Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly “Wellness” visit once every 12 months to develop or update a personalized prevention plan to help prevent disease and disability, based on your current health and risk factors. Your provider may also perform a cognitive impairment assessment. You pay nothing for this visit if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assign- ment and the Part B deductible doesn’t apply.
The connection should be strong enough
to stream video, but it doesn't have to be the highest quality or speed available. If you can watch movies through your Wi-Fi connection, you have more than enough to get through a telemedicine visit. A phone line can be a good back up option if the video call drops or the technology otherwise doesn’t work.
Choose a quiet setting. Extra noise may interfere with the call as well as compromise the privacy of your visit. Avoid positioning yourself in front of a bright window; rather have the light on your face. Be sure your doc- tor can see your eyes. Use a stand to keep the device still.
Note, you may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply if your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit that aren't covered under the preventive benefits.
It's important to use the telehealth platform that your personal medical provider is using. They can all be easily accessed and download- ed onto any device.
Have a pen and paper ready. This is to jot down notes, questions, and recommendations the provider might have. Even though some providers will email you a summary note after the visit, it’s helpful if you have taken your own notes during the call.
So if you’ve put off going the doctor over the year it might be time to consider a tele- health wellness visit.
Check with your doctor’s office to be sure your paperwork is up-to-date beforehand.
• A high-speed internet connection.
• Video access through a smart phone, tablet,
Because many rules surrounding telehealth have changed recently, it’s best to double check ahead of time with your health insur- ance provider that the service you’re seeking to receive via a telehealth visit will be covered.
If your physician needs to see you in person for your wellness visit they will let you know that. Be sure to continue to take precautions when heading out; wear your mask and use safe distances.
or computer.
• Any app used by your provider to connect,
which should be downloaded beforehand.
Double-check your equipment. Check
There’s plenty of things you can do ahead of time to help ensure a better virtual visit with your doctor.
Consider having someone else join you.
Make sure your paperwork is filled out.
Depending on the type of visit you’ll be hav- ing and what will be discussed, it might be helpful to have a family member or friend sit in on the call with you to help take notes or to raise other concerns with the provider if you forget something.
Prepare like you would for any other appointment. Jot down questions, symptoms, and medications. Also have any recent home monitoring results on hand.
To get the most out of a remote visit with your doctor or health care provider, ideally you should have the following:
• A telephone line.
Make sure your doctor has the informa- tion they need prior to the call. That way, the provider can have it in hand and can review
it prior to the visit. This saves time and helps focus the call on the most important aspects of the virtual visit.
Focus on the session. Just as you would during an office visit, eliminate distractions and interruptions during the virtual visit and give your provider your undivided attention. Shut off notifications on your cell phone.
Check with your insurance company.
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