Medical Offices of Manhattan’s Internist, Dr. Robert Segal speaks to Women’s Health about tips for a practices telemedicine sessions
He’s quoted saying:
1. Use the online paperwork to flag immediate problems—and give the doc a big-picture POV of your health.
2. Check security protocols—and that this doc can legally examine you virtually—before your appointment.
Now that we’re in the middle of a global pandemic and more patients need to be seen virtually than ever before, many of these telemedicine laws are changing, says Dr. Robert Segal, MD, who offers telehealth appointments.
“When you call to schedule your appointment, make sure the doctor’s office you’re working with knows where you live and can assure you that your physician will be able to treat you and prescribe medications if necessary.”
Also important: Confirm the platform you’re using for your virtual appointment is HIPAA-compliant, which includes a host of security requirements to ensure your privacy and safety. “The doctor’s office should really be doing their due diligence to make sure what they’re providing to patients is secure, but it doesn’t hurt to ask,” says Dr. Segal.
3. Have a backup plan in place in the event of tech failures.
4. Think of your first appointment as an interview for a doc who’ll work for you.
5. Get real with the doc about everything that’s going on for you, not just your most pressing symptoms.
6. Be prepared for a virtual physical exam.
7. Ask your doc to send you her notes after your appointment.
View the original piece placement on Women’s Health.
