Thanks to ever-growing technology in the medical field, the days of having to physically travel to a doctor’s office are over. Around the world patients can now meet with their doctor’s virtually! This offers all sorts of benefits, especially for those who are immobile, live in remote locations, and for those with fragile immune systems who face high risks when visiting a doctor’s office.
Do you think you suffer from ADHD and want to be diagnosed but don’t have the time or means to visit a doctor? If so, you’re in luck! With a virtual doctor’s appointment, also known as telemedicine, you can speak face-to-face with your doctor without ever having to step foot inside of a doctor’s office. Here’s what you can expect from an online visit to the doctor.
Insurance Coverage
Similar to normal in-office visits, most insurance companies these days cover the cost of telemedicine visits. In fact, most insurers offer the same copay that you’d make in person. Don’t have insurance coverage or a set general physician? There are all sorts of web-based apps and websites that are available for patients who want to speak to a doctor without paying high fees.
Options like Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, and MDLIVE are all reputable options for talking to a doctor without draining your bank account. Most of these e-doctor websites cost about $40-$50 per visit.
Getting Set Up
In order for a virtual doctor’s appointment to be successful, you’ll want to ensure you have the proper tech on hand. For example, you’ll at the minimum need access to a quality Internet connection as well as a tablet, phone, or computer with a camera and a microphone. Being able to see and talk to a doctor face-to-face makes the virtual appointment much more personable. Plus it always helps to know and see who you’re talking to.
If you don’t have access to a camera or microphone, you’ll need to be meticulous in talking about the symptoms you’re experiencing via typing. Without a webcam or access to a live video streaming, you’ll want to take pictures of any visible symptoms and send them to the doctor. The more details you provide the better and more precise of a diagnosis you’ll receive.
Aside from your own tech devices, you’ll also want to know how to navigate the Internet. Most doctors who offer telemedicine use a specific website where patients must log in to their appointment.
Preparing for the Appointment
Before signing into your appointment, you’ll want to be prepared to answer a few questions, just as you would with a normal doctor’s appointment. It’s important that you’re able to provide specific and detailed information about your health and the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. While online conversations are known for being quick, your virtual appointment will be anything but.
To prepare, write down a list of all of the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. You’ll also want to notate how long you’ve been dealing with them. Since the doctor may or may not have access to your full medical records, it’s important to be upfront about your past health, to include any surgeries, medications that you’ve taken, and your overall lifestyle.
Another tip to prepare is to set aside at least an hour for your appointment. You probably don’t want to talk about your health issues in front of coworkers or with your children running around in the background. Be sure to schedule time when you’ll have the peace, quiet, and undivided attention that’s needed during a virtual appointment.
The Appointment
Appointment times can vary, depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing and their complexity. For example, if you have a rash, a visual inspection of it and diagnosis may only take 15-20 minutes. On the other hand, if you’re discussing more complex symptoms like mood swings, inability to focus, and hyperactivity, your appointment may last a little longer.
After explaining your symptoms, the doctor will either be able to diagnose you or may want to recommend that you speak to a specialist. In the event that you receive a diagnosis, most virtual doctors are able to send a prescription straight to your pharmacy.
Before ending the appointment, be sure to ask the doctor about any money saving options such as a coupon for Vyvanse or a free trial for your prescription medication. This way you can save even more money while getting the treatment you need to alleviate your symptoms.
If you have any questions about the prescription you’ve been given, don’t hesitate to ask. While most prescriptions come with warning labels and directions, such as when and how much of the medication to take, always ask if there’s any questions you have.
You might even want to ask your virtual doctor about medication delivery. In today’s modern and fast past society, pharmacies like Medly in Brooklyn have started to adapt to customer needs with online appointments, payments, and even delivery options.
Conclusion
No matter if you’re suffering from a rash, frequent headaches, or the symptoms of ADHD, an online appointment is a fast and convenient way to get the diagnosis and treatment that you need.
