Demystifying Telemedicine: Virtual Care Explained

 

What is telemedicine? 

Telemedicine is the practice of using modern technology to deliver care virtually. A physician in one location uses a telecommunications infrastructure to provide care to a patient at another site.

 

Telemedicine is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We typically don’t see sickness coming, and those surprises often come late at night or over the weekend when most provider offices are closed.

 

Having access to a physician at any time is a game changer in the following situations below:

1. When traveling out of town.
2. Wanting to keep healthy children at home while your sick child is treated.
3. Reduce exposure to comunicable illnesses.
4. Earache in the middle of the night.
5. Holidays and weekends.
6. Just moved to a new area and haven’t established a general practitioner.
7. Have a busy schedule that only frees up in the evenings.
8. Mobility prevents you from traveling to seek care. 
    

How does telemedicine work?

Telemedicine visits can be done by phone or video. After scheduling a visit, you will speak to a physician just as you would in person.

 

What type of medical conditions is telemedicine used for? 

Telemedicine is becoming more popular and users have become more comfortable talking with a physician online, especially after the pandemic. However, not every issue can be addressed through a telehealth visit. Here is a list of common conditions that can be addressed via virtual care.

Medical 

• Common cold
• Allergies
• Constipation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Flu
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Pink eye
• Sore throat
   

Behavioral Health 

• Addictions
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Stress
• Trauma and PTSD
• Eating disorders
• Relationships
• Panic disorders
• Grief and loss
• Anxiety

Dermatology 

• Acne
• Rash and hives
• Spots
• Eczema
• Warts
• Rosacea
• Psoriasis
• Folliculitis
• Insect bites
• Cold and abrasions
• Skin cuts
   

Can a doctor prescribe medications through virtual care? 

Yes. When the doctor considers that medication is warranted, he or she can write a prescription for a non-narcotic medication (i.e., non-controlled substances), which can be sent directly to the pharmacy of your choice. 

As soon as your consultation is over, your prescription will be sent electronically to your pharmacy. If, for any reason, your pharmacy is unable to receive e-prescriptions, a traditional prescription will be generated for the provider to sign and fax. All prescriptions are fully compliant and include all of the required information.

How does the telehealth doctor know my medical history? 

Before you schedule an appointment with a telehealth provider, you must set up a secure account and provide your full medical history. It is highly recommended that you do so right away to avoid having to do it when you’re not feeling well.

Impact Health Sharing members have convenient 24/7/365 access to virtual visits for non-emergency needs using our approved telehealth provider. Additionally, members can now access NEW! Short-Term Teletherapy through the same provider service: Flexible, short-term therapy support designed to care for your whole well-being.

Healthcare sharing is not new and continues to grow year after year. It really is a better option for groups, individuals, and families! Just ask any one of the millions of Americans participating in healthcare sharing.

If you are ready to find out more about Impact Health Sharing and all of the membership perks, give us a call or chat LIVE with a representative here.

Impact Health Sharing