Telemedicine

Are telehealth and telemedicine the same?

Yes. Telehealth and telemedicine refer to the same thing. Specifically, they use modern technologies, like smartphones, tablets, and web cameras, to securely share medical information over the internet. 

Telemedicine has been used for decades but didn’t take off until the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdowns, people needed to be able to see their doctors without leaving home. Telemedicine helped facilitate this process. 

What types of health care services can telemedicine provide?

The Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic team provides various health care services with telemedicine, including:

• Checkups for ongoing or recurring medical conditions (chronic disease management)
• Treatment of acute injuries and illnesses
• Mental health care services
• Medication management
• Specialist referrals
• Prescription refills and/or updates
• Review of lab tests, including bloodwork and urinalysis

Telemedicine is incredibly versatile, but certain services require in-person care. For example, if you need to update your immunizations or undergo X-rays, your provider schedules an in-office visit.

What are the benefits of telehealth?

Telemedicine provides various benefits, but above all else, it’s convenient. For example, if you have small children or provide care for an elderly loved one, it can be difficult to find a babysitter or substitute caretaker. Telemedicine lets you meet with the doctor from the comfort of your home.

Similarly, telemedicine reduces your risk of contagious illness. For instance, if you’re immunocompromised, you might worry about visiting a doctor’s office and being exposed to germs. Telemedicine lets you avoid that risk altogether. 

Telemedicine can even accommodate busy schedules. If you regularly travel for work, scheduling an in-person physical exam can seem impossible. But with telemedicine, you can meet with your doctor no matter where you are and stay on top of your health.

What does a telemedicine appointment involve?

After you schedule a telemedicine appointment, the Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic team sends you a link to the online telehealth portal. Log in and test your internet connection and web camera before the visit. Likewise, turn off all background noise, like the TV or radio, and sit in a well-lit area.

Your Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic provider tailors the telemedicine appointment to your needs. For example, if you have a respiratory infection, they might ask you to listen to your cough or have you open your mouth and say “ah” so they can see the back of your throat. 

Call Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic to schedule a telemedicine appointment, or book your visit online today.