Wellness

[ValuSkr]

With video visits, are doctors on-time or do they make you wait as usual?

[chessylady]

Covid is running wild in California. My last visit with my primary doctor was a televisit. As far as I know, that is all that is available.I am healthy and would prefer not to go anywhere near my doctor's office. I order my meds by mail.

[on the bay]

@Mindy D

 All of them are in many states that I know from family and mine.

[happycat]

When I had a virtual visit with my nurse practitioner, I had a set time, but had to wait till she had a few spare moments.

[skatting44]

Being in healthcare there is an upsides to home video visits but there is also  a grave opportunity that something important can be missed. A Doctor who auscultates your heart and breath sounds and takes a blood pressure with an actual sphygmomanometer rather than a portable machine that can have an error  of up to 20 mmHg .  I prefer to have in person MD appointments . Some MD's have continued but it really  depends on your insurance and Medicare. Some rules were temporary changes due to strict covid lockdowns .

[Nuttmeg]

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@ValuSkr wrote:

With video visits, are doctors on-time or do they make you wait as usual?

@ValuSkr 

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It depends on the practice and the level of technology.

One doctor has tele-medicine appt with a 2 hour window. I have phone appt. 

Another practice keeps to a schedule. This office sends text messages, and I log in to a video call. 

You may want to ask the office. 

[January121]

I just did a video visit two weeks ago for the first time .... It worked out well & I am glad it was available because I really didn’t want to go into the office because of Covid19 😉

[mac116]

I have several health issues, and both my Primary and my cardiologist wanted to see me in person.  There were many safeguards, and I felt okay with it.

[Mindy D]

I just want to renew my prescription. The office has always required a visit every six months for those on long term antidepressant medications. Last visit was by telemedicine and the time has passed and I need another visit to renew my prescription but I really don't want to get COVID because of an in person visit. I really wish the office would go back to offering the choice. My insurance covers Teledoc so I might have to use that in order to avoid an in person visit. 

[eadu4]

Had one video at the very beginning of 2020, every visit to any doctor after has been in person including specialists and our PCP.  I think if you request it they will do a video chat but some issues you would need to go in person.  It's pretty obvious they could not listen to your heart/check your BP etc.  The most they can do is look at you, listen and hopefully diagnose you correctly.  The first video for me was a bomb since I had back issues and I needed to go in.  All my visits were fine.  Never was worried.  You were required to wear a mask and sanitizer everywhere.  If you are in the higher risk catagory I'm sure they are aware of your age and risk and would treat your issues as best they can so you are comfortable.  The problem remains that virtual does not take the place of being able to check your vitals in person period.  And how you handle your issues so you are comfortable is best discussed with your doctor.  I would just call and discuss your options with the office and if your issues can be addressed in a virtual chat.  I'm not comfortable being diagnosed on a webcam.  For those that are I'm sure they will still do one if you ask.