WHAT IS TELEMEDICINE?

Telemedicine is a newer technology that allows you to see a provider via video on your phone, tablet, or computer, without having to go to the doctor's office.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TELEMEDICINE?

No commuting to the clinic.

Less time away from work or school.

Limited wait times.

You can see us from anywhere.

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TELEMEDICINE OVER LEAVING A MESSAGE WITH A NURSE?

With telemedicine, you get to speak in real-time to your provider over video.  They can see you and ask you specific questions related to your current problem.  This cuts out back and forth phone calls and leads to a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO USE TELEMEDICINE?

You must be an established patient at Freeman Family Medicine.  If you are not already established with us, click here.

We use a HIPAA-compliant app or webpage from Blum Telehealth.  You simply need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and a good internet connection to be able to do telemedicine with us.

You need a free Blum Telehealth account, which you will get when you call to schedule a telemedicine appointment with us.

 

WHAT KINDS OF PROBLEMS CAN BE ADDRESSED USING TELEMEDICINE?

Telemedicine at Freeman Family Medicine can be used to address acute issues, including, but not limited to the following:

  • Acid reflux

  • Allergies

  • Arthritis

  • Back pain

  • Bronchitis

  • Cold & Flu Symptoms

  • Cough

  • Diarrhea

  • Headaches

  • Insect bites

  • Laryngitis

  • Nausea

  • Pink eye

  • Poison Ivy/Oak

  • Rashes

  • Sinusitis

  • Urinary tract infections (adult females only)

  • Vomiting

Given the current Coronavirus situation, telemedicine may be appropriate for you for routine follow-up visits.

 

WHAT KINDS OF PROBLEMS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR TELEMEDICINE?

If you have a fever or have something that you think may result in the use of antibiotics, telemedicine is not appropriate, and you should come to the office.  Emergent needs should be addressed via the emergency room.  Urgent needs should be addressed in our office.  If it is after-hours and you are not sure if you have an urgent need that needs to be addressed now or if it can wait, call our After-Hours Nurse Line.  Cardiac symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath) and stroke symptoms (one sided weakness, slurred speech) are not appropriate for telemedicine, and, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should go to the emergency room.  

 

HOW DO I GET MY PRESCRIPTION IF MY PROVIDER SEES ME OVER TELEMEDICINE?

If your provider deems a prescription to be appropriate, he/she will simply send it electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. 

 

WHAT IS THE COST OF USING TELEMEDICINE?

Most insurances do not cover this type of telemedicine visit. Most insurances will cover telemedicine from one medical office to another medical office, but they do not cover telemedicine to/from a non-medical office location. As most insurances do not cover this type of visit, we will not file telemedicine visits with your insurance carrier. For an acute problem, telemedicine visits are $85. For a routine follow-up visit, telemedicine visits are $125. Given the current Coronavirus situation, there has been discussion among insurance companies (including Medicare) stating they will cover telemedicine visits, but, as of right now, this is not the case for most insurance companies, including Medicare.

WHO CANNOT USE TELEMEDICINE?

As of right now, patients with Medicaid, ARKids, Medicare, and Medicare replacement plans cannot use telemedicine. This may change given the current Coronavirus situation.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE A TELEMEDICINE APPOINTMENT?

Telemedicine appointments are scheduled in the same manner as scheduling an appointment to come into the office, by calling 501.327.0110. Our staff will setup an Blum Telehealth account for you, if you do not already have one, and will schedule you a time to see one of our providers. Telemedicine appointments are conducted during our regular office hours and availability varies day to day, just as our in-office appointments do.