Telemedicine: Information for Your Patients

Telemedicine: Information for Your Patients

PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT

SCHEDULING AND PRE-VISIT CHECK-IN:

  • A technician or scribe may call you prior to your appointment time to review your chief complaint, symptoms, medical history, medication list, etc. This will likely be by a phone call. The ophthalmologist will then be able to call via video or phone to review your history and perform a tele-health consultation.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:

  • Inform the technician, scribe, or doctor of your medical insurance, be it MassHealth, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Commercial. Different plans have different requirements on coding/billing.
  • Be aware that your insurance may be charged for the visit, and that depending on your insurance, in some instances you may be responsible for a co-payment.

PHARMACY:

  • Review their preferred pharmacy (address, phone number), medications and allergies with the tech/scribe/doctor.

CELL PHONE #:

  • If using a cell-phone for video conferencing, please use the selfie mode on the camera (video) and that audio quality is sufficient for the doctor to hear you. In some instances, having a family member or friend available is most helpful to highlight eye structures during the consultation.

EMAIL ADDRESS:

  • This is important for if your doctor utilizes a patient portal, and may be helpful to send you an after-visit summary, educational materials, and follow-up appointment information.

VIDEO CONFERENCING PLATFORM:

  • The doctors office will likely tell you their preferred video conferencing platform. However, they may give you a choice of options. When asked, you should tell the doctor your preferred communication platform.
  • When asked, provide your contact information to the doctors office or have them send you their contact information (username, email address, phone number, etc). Here are some options:
    • FaceTime (iPhone / iPad / Mac / MacBook)
    • Facebook Messenger
    • Google Hangout
    • Skype
    • WhatsApp
    • Zoom

VISUAL ACUITY TESTING:

  • Prior to the test, please check your vision. Do this by testing each eye individually (i.e. cover the left eye and check the vision in the right eye, and vice versa). This may also be done during the telehealth visit:
  • Essilor Test Your Vision (Visual Acuity, Astigmatism, Light Sensitivity, Near Vision, Color Vision, Amsler Grid)
  • ZEISS Online Vision Screening (Visual Acuity, Contrast, Color Vision)

LIGHT SOURCE:

  • Please stay in a well-lit area during the encounter if using video conferencing. You should have a flashlight, penlight, or other light source available if possible. Family members or friends can also use the light source on a second cell phone or electronic device.

 

DURING THE APPOINTMENT

TELECONFERENCE TIPS:

  • Please speak slowly, clearly, and loud enough for the doctor to hear you.
  • Keep the camera on your device aimed at your face throughout the encounter. Be ready and willing to hold it closer to your eyes if requested.
  • Answer all questions asked by your doctor to the best of your ability.
  • If your internet or cell phone coverage is not reliable, you may be asked to switch to telephone.
  • Make sure you ask all your questions during the visit. This way the doctor can address all concerns.

Adapted from advice provided by Dr Ravi Goel.