Common Questions to Ask About Telehealth Services

Just like traditional face-to-face visits, our primary care telehealth services cover a broad range of healthcare needs. We offer comprehensive health assessments, preventive care, chronic disease management, acute illness care, and follow-up care.

Our telehealth services are especially beneficial for patients who may find it difficult to visit our clinic, including those living in remote or underserved areas, the elderly, or those with mobility issues. By offering healthcare services remotely, our aim to make our services more accessible and convenient for our patients is our top priority.

One of the significant advantages of our primary care telehealth service is its potential to reduce healthcare costs. By cutting out the need for travel and minimizing hospital visits, patients can save both time and money.

At Centered Primary Care, we also prioritize patient privacy. All telehealth appointments are conducted in a private and confidential setting, ensuring the comfort of our patients. This approach also allows for continuity of care, enabling our patients to establish a long-term relationship with our healthcare providers who can monitor their health over time.

One of our primary areas of focus is the management of chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, pain management and COPD. Our telehealth services empower patients to manage their health effectively from the comfort of their homes through routine check-ups, continuous monitoring, medication optimization, and lifestyle guidance.

Our telehealth services have been crucial in managing infectious diseases, providing a safe and efficient way to assess and triage patients. This was particularly beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the value of virtual consultations for early diagnosis, timely treatment, and ongoing support.

For common acute illnesses such as colds, flu, and minor infections, our patients can connect with our healthcare providers virtually, receive a diagnosis, and obtain prescriptions. Our telehealth services also extend to pediatric care and dermatological issues, offering convenience for parents and individuals dealing with skin conditions.

While telehealth has significantly transformed medical care, it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for every health issue. Emergency situations and conditions requiring hands-on examination or procedures still require in-person care. Rest assured; our team will guide you in understanding the best options for treatment. With telehealth, we empower our patients to take an active role in managing their health and accessing timely, convenient, and personalized medical services from anywhere, anytime.

As healthcare providers, we are dedicated to integrating telehealth into our primary care services to bring our patients the numerous benefits that it offers.

Convenience and Accessibility: With our telehealth services, you can receive care right from the comfort of your home. This eliminates unnecessary travel and waiting times, making healthcare more accessible for those with mobility issues, busy schedules, or those residing in remote areas. Our goal is to make primary care more accessible for all, including those with challenging access to healthcare.

Improved Access to Specialists and Health Outcomes: We use telehealth to connect our patients with specialists, thus expanding the range of care we can provide. We are now able to monitor patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma more closely, thanks to digital technology. This enables us to intervene early and prevent complications. Utilizing electronic health records significantly improves care coordination and minimizes the risk of medical errors.

Reduced Healthcare Costs: Our telehealth services can significantly reduce your healthcare expenses by eliminating transportation costs, copays for office visits, and time off work.

Improved Chronic Disease Management: Telehealth services enable us to monitor and follow-up on patients with chronic conditions more effectively. Remote monitoring devices and video consultations allow us to track symptoms, adjust medications, and provide support from afar.

Enhanced Patient Engagement and Satisfaction: We encourage our patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions through our telehealth services. Our patient portals and mobile apps provide easy access to medical records and efficient communication with our providers. This increased engagement with our patients’ health is also linked to higher patient satisfaction.

A stable internet connection is essential as our telehealth visits are conducted over the internet. A Wi-Fi or cellular data connection ensures clear and uninterrupted communication with your healthcare provider.

You’ll also need a device such as a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone equipped with a camera, microphone, and speakers. This allows our healthcare providers to see and hear you clearly during the video consultation. The device should also be capable of displaying any documents or images that our doctors may need to share with you.

We recommend choosing a quiet, private, and well-lit room for your telehealth visit. This ensures confidentiality, minimizes distractions, and provides sufficient lighting for video communication.

Having basic medical equipment such as a thermometer, blood pressure monitor, and pulse oximeter on hand can provide additional health data during the visit.

Before your appointment, prepare a list of medications you’re currently taking, including their names, dosages, and frequencies. This allows for a more comprehensive discussion with your provider. Also, clearly articulate the reason for your visit, including any symptoms or health concerns.

Have your insurance information ready for your healthcare provider and prepare a brief summary of your medical history, including past diagnoses, surgeries, and medications. If you have access to your electronic health record, granting access to your provider will supply them with crucial information for your care.

During the visit, keep a pen and paper handy to note any questions or concerns you may have, or to take notes.

Finally, ensure your comfort with a suitable chair, water, or any other comfort measures to enhance your well-being during the telehealth consultation.

Many patients consider telehealth services a budget-friendly alternative to traditional office visits.

Factors Affecting Cost:

• Provider and Platform: The cost may vary depending on the platform used, which could be video conferencing or a messaging-based service.

• Insurance Coverage: The coverage may vary, with some providers covering the full cost of a telehealth visit, while others only cover a portion.

• Services Rendered: The cost also depends on the type of services rendered, such as consultations, prescription refills, or lab test ordering.

Typical Costs:

• Copays: If your insurance covers telehealth, you can expect copays similar to traditional in-person appointments, typically ranging from $15 to $50.

• Direct Billing: For those without insurance coverage or whose insurance does not cover telehealth, we may charge a flat fee for telehealth consultations, which can range anywhere from $50 to $200 per visit.

Additional Considerations:

• Additional Charges: Certain services such as prescription delivery, lab tests, or referrals may incur extra charges.

• Complexity of the Patient’s Condition: For patients with chronic or complex conditions, longer telehealth visits may be required, which could increase the cost.

• Technical Requirements: To make the most of our telehealth services, patients need to ensure they have the necessary technology and reliable internet connectivity.

• Limitations: Although telehealth can address many primary care needs, it might not be appropriate for all conditions or emergencies.

Before utilizing our telehealth services at Centered Primary Care, it’s crucial to discuss potential costs with our healthcare providers or your insurance company. This will help you understand the financial implications, plan accordingly, and make informed decisions about your healthcare options. We serve patients from Stoughton MA, Avon MA, Canton MA, Walpole MA, Easton MA, Abington MA, and surrounding areas.