While you’re hunkering down to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, you may be wondering whether you should make the trip to your doctor’s office for an appointment. Fortunately, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to receive care.
If you’re a MetroHealth patient, you can easily access care through telehealth services. With a simple phone call or a video consultation, our doctors, nurse practitioners and other providers can meet your health care needs.
What are the benefits of a telehealth appointment?
Telehealth appointments eliminate the need to travel to your doctor’s office and sit with other patients who may have COVID-19 or another illness. Doctors and other health care providers offer care on par with in-person visits. They can ask you detailed questions to assess your health, write and refill prescriptions and provide patient education. If you need a referral, additional care or testing, your clinician can talk to you about next steps.
It’s important to keep in mind that in some cases, your doctor may advise you to come into the office to perform a physical exam. Some information is simply more easily obtained face-to-face.
What services are offered through telehealth?
MetroHealth offers a variety of services through telehealth, from routine primary care to specialty care visits.
How do I schedule a telehealth visit?
You can schedule a telehealth visit through your MyChart account or by calling your doctor’s office.
How should I prepare for a telehealth visit?
Prepare just as you would for an in-person visit. Write down the questions and concerns what you want to review with your doctor. Have your medications readily available so your doctor can review what you’re taking and what may need to be refilled. Clinicians have your electronic medical record and your history available to them during the call to ensure the safety and quality of your care.
How do I connect with my provider over the phone?
Your provider will call you within 30 minutes of the scheduled appointment time. For example, if your appointment is scheduled for 2 p.m., your provider will call between 2 and 2:30 p.m. The caller ID may or may not say MetroHealth. If you miss the first call, the provider will call you a second time.
How do I use video conferencing to connect with my doctor?
Make sure your camera and microphone are both on, and be prepared to have your telehealth visit in a private, quiet place. Sit in a well-lit area so your doctor can see you clearly.
How long do telehealth appointments take?
About 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the type of appointment.
Will my insurance cover my telehealth visit?
A telehealth visit is considered a doctor’s appointment; normal co-pays and deductibles apply. If you have any questions about billing, please contact your insurance company or call MetroHealth Patient Financial Services at 216-957-3250.
What do patients think about telehealth?
Patients have been providing positive feedback on their telehealth experience:
“I’ve never experienced anything like this before and was surprisingly pleased with how well it went.”
“I didn’t have to go outside! It’s so convenient, especially during the outbreak. I’m very anxious about (the outbreak) so whatever keeps me inside but doesn’t deter my care, works.”
“What she did over the phone would’ve been the same as in person. I still felt like I had the appointment and I’m progressing towards my goals.”
The health and wellness of our patients and our community is our primary concern at MetroHealth. Although we are trying to limit the number of in-person office visits to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we also want to avoid any lapse in your medical care. With new telehealth solutions, we can address many of your and your family’s health care needs with a telephone or video visit. To schedule a telehealth visit with your provider, schedule online through MyChart or call your doctor’s office. For more information on telehealth, visit metrohealth.org/telehealth.
