Telehealth services offer a safe and convenient way for seniors to access much-needed medical services from the comfort of their home, office, or mobile phone. Whether it’s video conferencing, or telehealth services through an App on your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop, seniors can access today’s telehealth services in several ways.

From monitoring your physical and mental health to getting important prescriptions, referrals, and other appointments, to doing a follow-up on a physical therapy session, telehealth services have numerous benefits. Now the question becomes, how do you find the best telehealth providers, prepare for your appointments, and schedule visits and follow-ups?

Selecting the Right Telehealth Service Provider

The first and most important aspect of selecting a telehealth service provider is ensuring that it is state – and federally certified, licensed, and insured to provide the kind of telehealth services you need. This information should be readily available on the provider’s website.

Next, ensure they have plenty of references, a detailed history of the provider, and easy access to their certifications, areas of specialty, and the experience level and education of their licensed physicians or mental health professionals. Their online security protocols are equally important. Here is a list of things to consider.

• All telehealth service providers must be Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) compliant, guaranteeing confidentiality and privacy of all patient health information (PHI).
• The telehealth provider’s website should have strong cybersecurity protocols. Review their credentials and cybersecurity protocols to ensure they provide a secure network and robust authentication and sign-in safeguards.
• Data protection should also be a priority. Clear, easily accessible information should define how they collect, store, and protect the information gathered through telehealth appointments.

If you have any questions or concerns about cybersecurity, the telehealth provider should be more than willing to answer any questions you may have. Cost for the services is also important, as is ensuring the telehealth services are easy to use and easily accessible. This means the telehealth service provider should allow you to access their services through your phone, with a video-conferencing app, or through your laptop.

Easily accessing services is one thing, but ensuring that it’s easy to book appointments is another. If this information isn’t forthcoming on the website, ask how easy it is to book appointments and follow-ups. Most telehealth services clearly state their average wait time for appointments.

Finally, ensure you are comfortable with the services, the people and team who provide them, and the clinical physician, doctor, or mental health professional you’re working with.

Scheduling and Preparing for Online Visits/Appointments

When scheduling your online visit, ensure you have ample time to prepare. Try not to book an appointment too early in the morning so you are ready and comfortable. Set reminders in your calendar – within your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop – at least one-half hour to an hour before and one full day before the scheduled appointment.

Your telehealth provider will most likely send you instructions about the appointment, what you should have ready, and the type of HIPPA and PHI-compliant video and chat service they use. Some of the most common include VSee, Klara, Doximity, eVisit, and Caregility. These are easy to use, and safe and ensure communication between yourself and your doctor or caretaker is private and secure.

A good rule of thumb is to check out the video and chat service beforehand. Once you receive this information, find the company online so you are comfortable with the security and privacy protocols their software uses.

Next, be sure to have a pad of paper and pen available to write down any specific steps or notes provided by your doctor. Ensure your phone, tablet, or laptop’s camera and microphone are working and your Wi-Fi or internet connection is stable.

The Online Appointment

Once the appointment starts, your doctor or mental health professional will introduce themselves or ask you to introduce yourself. This is an opportunity to explain who you are, why the visit was scheduled, and your concerns while having any questions or concerns answered.

Remember, this appointment is yours. It is focused on your needs, so be honest and straightforward about your illness and history. Ask plenty of questions, take diligent notes, and ensure you are comfortable with whom you’re speaking.

A simple money-saving tip is to ask for over-the-counter (OTC) versions of any medications or prescriptions – if there are any.

WiseSavings – A Growing Community with Over 250,000 Seniors

WiseSavings was founded on the principle of helping those over 55 live more affordable and more enjoyable lives. Whether you’re recently retired, planning for retirement, need guidance on federal assistance programs and healthcare providers, or just looking for tips and advice on saving money on groceries and reducing monthly expenses, our newsletter and endless discounts, rebates, and tips are designed for today’s seniors.

If you want to join a growing community of seniors who love to live life to the fullest while saving money, contact us now.