My doctor wants me to do a 'teleconference" checkup tomorrow instead of coming to the office

BobsProstate

I'm good with that, just wondering if it's going to be productive. I can do a phone call, or a video call if he wants, but they can't do blood tests over the phone line. I'm also wondering about the costs. Are they going to try to charge me for a full on office call for this? Has anyone done this?

BuckeyeShelby

I'm the one who works for a medical TPA. You'll need to check with your insurance carrier on coverage of telemed. I know a whole lot of our groups who did not have telemedicine benefits before have 'em now. The employer groups want to keep their employees safe by giving them that option. And we had quite a few that had it before the virus hit. Some are free. Some have a minimal copay. Some are the same as if you went in. Your carrier should be able to give you guidance. And even though we here in Ohio are under a stay at home order, our customer service reps, their computers and their phones were all sent home. I'm auditing customer service phone calls from my bedroom! I'm sure other companies have made similar provisions.

Bengal

I've had similar thoughts, Bobs. Particularly concerned if they start postponing bloodwork. That's how they monitor white blood cell counts, etc..... I don't want to skip one now, come back in six months and hear someone say, oh oh, it's ba-aack and if we had caught it earlier......

andreacha

I had a telephone conversation with my Pulmonologist last week. Waste of time. The lungs I was worried about are here and she was there, an hour away. When I was there at the end of January I told her that I felt I needed a PFT. She knew I had been to the ER twice and wanted to see CT from one and the Xray from the other. She wanted to know the last time I had an echocardiogram (sp?) and I told her October. She wanted to see all the results. She sent me home with a sputum cup and I had to make arrangements for my Primary to order the test for it and when he got the results, to forward to her. Don't ask me how but she wound up with 92 pages! Now we have the problem of the offices closing (hers as well) and she agrees now that I need the PFT and a new Xray. I don't have an appointment until May and that isn't set in stone either The pandemic has put medical care upside down for the time being.I am supposed to have weekly blood draws. Thus far, the clinic for that is still open, however, the senior shuttle won't be running for a while. I can't get there without them. I understand how important it is to keep tabs on our blood. I nearly had my doctor set up home health but had second thoughts about it. Those girls see quite a few people in a day. I don't need someone bringing me a virus. I do remember having a teleconference once a few years ago in the ER. I don't feel comfortable with that as you don't know the doctor at all. I wish all of us the very best in the care they receive.

GregP_WN

I have noticed a few ads on TV around here from some of the larger facilities in Nashville offering that. I'm not sure about it. I'm sure there are things that would work just fine. But, they can't do an ultrasound over the phone, can't look down my throat, or do anything that I would likely need. So for me, it wouldn't work.

MyLungCancer

If they could figure out a way to give treatment remotely that would be great. After my trip to my oncology clinic yesterday I don't care if I go again until this is over.

Whitey61

Ok for some treatment, I have 2 coming up...urology consult to see how I'm doing , just questions and a urinalysis I can provide thru my PCP, eye appointment with retina specialist I had surgery 3 months ago, I have questions and illustrations that will show my post op position to her...my next cancer infusion is May 5, trying to wean me off anyway, maybe delay it few weeks?, If not, told me they will bring me in private entrance to clinic so I'm not passing thru the entire Hospital...there is a charge I'm told for telehealth but at reduced appt.fee.