A Telemedicine Visit Offers Convenience and Comfort for Treating Winter Colds and Viruses

Have you been battling a winter cold for several days? If you’re wishing you didn’t have to hop in the car when you’re feeling sick, our staff at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic has a technology that might work for you. We offer telemedicine to our patients living in and around New Albany, Mississippi, so you don’t have to travel when you don’t feel well.

This service, launching on January 10, 2019, can be thought of as a  21st-century housecall. Our provider performs a thorough assessment and then creates a treatment plan that will have you feeling better in no time. Here are a few things you need to know before logging on for your telehealth visit.

What is telemedicine?

During a telemedicine visit, you can see your provider by using a phone or tablet and your internet connection. While this technology might seem new, it’s quite common. The American Telemedicine Association reports that there are nearly 3,500 telemedicine service sites in the United States and that over half of all hospitals in the country use some form of telemedicine.

Telemedicine is often called mobile health or “mhealth.” During the video visit, our provider performs a thorough assessment of your symptoms and then creates a treatment plan, just as they would if you were in the office.

Symptoms that are appropriate for a telemedicine visit

Our providers assess, diagnose, and treat many non-emergent conditions through the use of telemedicine. Symptoms of a cold or virus are no exception, so would be appropriate for a telemedicine visit. Here are a few symptoms you might experience with a cold or infection:

• Headache
• Ear problems
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Congestion
• Diarrhea

What are the benefits of telemedicine?

There are advantages to visiting with one of our providers without leaving home. Here are a few benefits that top the list.

Convenience

You don’t have to leave the comfort of your bed or commute to our office. Just log on at the assigned time and speak directly to your provider. Staying home also ensures that you won’t expose others to your germs or expose yourself to other illnesses.

Cost-effectiveness

Because telemedicine has become widespread, most insurance companies cover the cost of the visit. Check with your insurance provider before scheduling your appointment to ensure coverage. Telemedicine also eliminates other expenses such as travel and loss of wages while waiting in our office.

Continuity of care

There are several telemedicine sites available. However, when you schedule an appointment with the Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic, you see your regular care team. They have access to your medical records to quickly review your health history, medications, allergies, and other essential information to ensure you get the best possible care.

What to expect with a telemedicine visit

Your visit will be similar to an appointment in our office. Our provider asks you a series of questions that target your symptoms. They’ll create a treatment plan that might include rest and medicine. If your symptoms need a closer look, we might recommend that you make an appointment in our office for a different level of care.

Before the visit is complete, your provider reviews the treatment plan with you to ensure you understand it and can ask any questions you may have. If your illness requires a prescription, our provider sends the prescription request to your pharmacy of choice.

If you’re sick after the New Year, check our site for the launch of telemedicine visits and visit your doctor in the comfort of your own home. You can book your telemedicine appointment, by clicking on the “schedule appointment” button and then get ready for your convenient mhealth visit.