As we muddle through a historically hard time, with the coronavirus continually flipping the script on the operations of the world as we know it, it’s more important than ever to ensure we’re doing everything we can to get the most out of our telehealth visits. Yes, thanks to technology we can go about having doctor’s appointments without having to leave the cozy confines of our respective homes, and risk getting even sicker. It’s scary out there! So, let’s take a look at some helpful tips for navigating our telehealth visits successfully.
Write out those symptoms, medications, and questions before the appointment
One surefire way to get the most out of your telehealth visit is to list all the symptoms you’re experiencing, as well as any prescriptions you’re taking. It can also be helpful to take pictures of any kinds of rashes or concerning moles that you have before the actual video appointment. Even with technology nowadays, it can be tough to see those on video. It’s much easier to get some HD pictures beforehand.
Record your vital signs
It’s best to treat this telehealth visit just like how you’d be treated by any doctor during an actual in-person visit. That means checking your pulse while you’re at a resting state, taking your temperature, and also measuring your weight. The best way to take your pulse is to place two of your fingers between the bone and tendon located over your radial artery, which is on the thumb side of your wrist. As soon as you’re able to locate your pulse, count off the number of beats over 15 seconds. Then, simply multiply that number by four to calculate the number of beats per minute. You can also check your blood oxygen level as well as your heart rate (two very important factors when checking for coronavirus symptoms) by using a pulse oximeter. Pulse oximeters typically cost anywhere between $20 and $50.
Have those medical records handy
You should receive a copy of your labs and studies any time you visit a doctor’s office or urgent care center. On the off chance that your doctor decides they need a copy of your labs, you should have those ready to go. This will help save the both of you time, as well as money, in that they won’t have to go and run another test.
Optimize your picture and audio quality
While you don’t need perfect, viral Instagram post-worthy lighting, it will certainly make your doctor’s job easier by making sure you have decent lighting. In addition to the lighting, you’ll want to minimize any echo effect by making sure you have headphones you can plug into your computer or use with your phone.
Anticipate life tossing some curveballs
Even with technology where it’s at today, many of us regularly navigate those unexpected technological hiccups. The call might drop, or due to unexpectedly poor WiFi reception you might just not be able to get the video quality you need. If you encounter those problems, a call on FaceTime or WhatsApp can serve as solid backup plans. As a worst-case scenario, using the phone for a simple audio call is not the end of the world.
Determine if Medicare Levy affects you
Low income earners don’t need to worry about the medicare levy, yay! However, if you’re someone who’s bringing in over $90K a year, or are in a family that brings in over $180K of combined income, you might end up being impacted by the medicare levy surcharge. The medicare levy surcharge is a tax you’re on the hook for paying if your income exceeds $90K. Based on your income that medicare levy surcharge will be between 1 and 1.5%. The whole purpose of the medicare levy surcharge is to motivate those folks earning a higher income to seek out private health insurance, and effectually take the weight off the public healthcare system. The medicare levy surcharge can really add up in the long run. It will absolutely pay off to opt on in to an appropriate level of cover.
Get a summary at the end of the call
This one’s key after you and the doctor have talked everything out, and they’ve received the information from you that they need. It will only help you down the road to get a summary from the doctor that clearly lays out the crucial details of the telehealth visit.
We’ve ran through some helpful tips for making the most of your next telehealth visit. Nothing is more important than your well being. The fact that you’re not risking going outside and exposing yourself to coronavirus is definitely a step in the right direction. From there though, it’s all about ensuring that you and your doctor can navigate the telehealth visit and experience as smoothly as possible. If your doctor happens to advise you get a prescription, it’s definitely worth checking out this medication finder, which helps you save money on prescriptions. Users will have a free RX card which gives them access to discounted rates at their local pharmacies.
Why bother using the medication finder?
USArx is an awesome company that’s dedicated to helping folks lock down those helpful discounts on prescription drug costs. This can be especially helpful if you’re someone impacted by the medicare levy that we previously touched on. In this day and age, and these unpredictable times, we should all be seeking out effective ways to put a little extra money back in our pockets. Plus, with the medication finder, there’s no need to activate the discounts you’re able to find. All you have to do is ask your pharmacist about the discounts when you’re dropping off or picking up medications.
