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BPT
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still be the best options when it comes to serious illnesses,
virtual visits work well for follow-ups and for more
common illnesses and injuries like colds, flu, rashes,
etc. In some states, online doctors can write and submit
prescriptions after a virtual consultation. If covered, these
Today, the doctor’s office isn’t the only place to go to get visits may be subject to a copay or coinsurance.
your medical questions answered. In fact, you may not
need to go anywhere. Since convenience and options are In-home visits by a health practitioner. You may
important to many of us, most health plans offer choices remember the days when doctors made home visits.
on how and where to access medical information and care. Today’s in-home clinicians are often nurse practitioners
(NPs) or physician assistants (PAs) who spend 45 to
Phone lines staffed by nurses. Many health plans offer 60 minutes with each patient. They review your health
access to a telephone-based support line staffed 24/7 history and current medications, perform a physical
by registered nurses - often referred to as “24/7 nurse exam, offer health education and coordinate care with
lines” or “nursing hotlines.” The nurses take note of your your primary care provider. The visit allows the health
symptoms. Together, you can discuss next steps and there practitioner to spend a great deal of time with you in an
environment where you are comfortable. They are so
is typically no additional charge to use this service.
popular that UnitedHealthcare’s HouseCalls program
Online or “virtual” office visits. Some Medicare plans recently completed its 5 millionth home visit.
allow you to visit with your doctor without leaving your
living room. The clinician uses a computer or mobile These care options are not just convenient, they can also
device with a camera to see and talk with you. These visits save lives. A simple urine test that Paul Engwall completed
sometimes even allow physicians to bring in specialists, during his first HouseCalls visit led to the discovery of
also by computer, if needed. While in-office visits may an abdominal aortic aneurysm that was nearing rupture.
here it is again. That pain in your side that comes and
goes. Not sure what to do about it? How about talking
about your symptoms with a health care professional
from the comfort of your own couch?
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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NOVEMBER 2018