And as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, telemedicine has been surging—and 14 months later, we don’t see it going anywhere. As a family caregiver, should you be accessing telemedicine? Currently, there are more than 40 million family caregivers taking care of loved ones in the United States. Many of those being cared for may be at heightened risk for COVID-19. So it’s important to fully understand how to access health care providers when loved ones feel sick or have questions, and why you should continue to access telemedicine even as states begin to reopen. To help caregivers keep their loved ones safe and healthy, AARP is offering guidance. We asked for their most frequently asked questions as they relate to telehealth services during the pandemic and beyond. Here’s what they said:
As a caregiver, why should I use telehealth services with my loved one?
During the coronavirus outbreak, when you use telehealth you are protecting your loved one and other family members from exposure and avoiding the potential spread of the illness. You’re also reducing strain on the already overwhelmed health care system. You are enabling doctors in quarantine to continue seeing patients, helping to avoid unnecessary hospital visits and freeing up health care staff to be deployed at hospitals in need.
Can a caregiver be involved in telehealth services?
Yes! Two- and three-party calling are often available to keep the caregiver involved in the virtual visit.
How can telehealth be of value to me and my loved one?
Especially during a pandemic (and beyond), telehealth can be a valuable lifeline. From a practical standpoint, it can ease the burden of traveling for provider visits and help you avoid taking excess time off from work to bring your loved one to appointments. Perhaps most importantly, telehealth empowers you as a caregiver to ask questions and continue to take a proactive role in your loved one’s care.
Is telehealth only for people who have COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms?
No, telehealth services are available to address a variety of health issues and concerns for your loved one. If either of you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it though, the CDC recommends you call your doctor first. Providers cannot diagnose a coronavirus infection during a telehealth visit, but they can offer self-care and quarantine tips and educate you about the warning signs for when you may need to take your loved one to the hospital.
For what type of health concerns can my loved one use telehealth?
It is best used for non-emergency care. You and your loved one can access telehealth services for a range of issues—from minor illnesses and injuries, symptoms from a chronic condition, or to address general health concerns and routine care like follow-up appointments.
Does Medicare and private insurance cover telehealth?
Yes. In fact, Medicare and private health insurers expanded the range of services patients can receive through telehealth during the coronavirus public health emergency. For now, Medicare will pay for telehealth services, including mental health counseling, common office visits and preventative health screenings. For private insurance, check with your loved one’s insurance company; most insurance providers are expanding coverage for telehealth services during the pandemic and waiving cost-sharing like copays, deductibles and coinsurance.
How do doctors and medical professionals diagnose through telehealth?
With video, such as FaceTime, Zoom or Skype, providers can look, listen and engage with your loved one to diagnose health issues and provide an effective treatment plan. Providers may guide you virtually through a physical assessment of symptoms, if necessary and appropriate. These services can be provided in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities and hospital outpatient departments.
Can we use telehealth for mental health questions?
Yes. Telehealth can be used for mental health services for conditions like depression or anxiety.
Can providers write prescriptions through telehealth?
Yes. providers can send new prescriptions directly to your local pharmacy based on your loved one’s telehealth visit; they can also send in refill requests.
Which providers use telehealth?
Urgent care and primary care providers, specialists and mental health providers are using telehealth in an effort to prevent healthy and sick people from visiting the doctor’s office in person. Specifically, doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical psychologists, certified nurse midwives, licensed clinical social workers, registered dieticians and nutrition professionals are allowed to offer telehealth to their patients.
How secure is telehealth?
Telehealth is designed to be private, secure and HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Action that ensures patient information is kept confidential)-compliant to allow you to safely and confidentially consult a provider just as you would in person. During this public health emergency, penalties for HIPAA violations against health care providers that serve patients in good faith through everyday communications technologies, such as FaceTime or Skype, are waived to allow more people to benefit from telehealth services.
How much does telehealth cost?
Health insurance companies across the country have taken action to remove cost barriers to getting care through telehealth services. Many states have parity laws that require private insurers to cover telehealth the same as in-person services. If your loved one has Medicare, Medicare can pay for office, hospital and other visits via telehealth. The Department of Health and Human Services has offered flexibility for health care providers to reduce or waive cost-sharing for telehealth visits paid by Medicare. If your loved one is not covered by Medicare, you may need to budget for virtual office visits; prices vary, and some cost $50-80 per visit.
How can I begin using telehealth with my loved one?
Check your loved one’s medical insurance benefits and contact their provider to find out if they offer telehealth services—and specifically, on what platform. FaceTime or Skype could be an option. If your loved one does not have an established provider, there are companies online such as Teladoc Health, Amwell, PlushCare, Doctor on Demand and MD Live where you can request a virtual visit. Note that some of these online providers are experiencing longer wait times due to high demand. Make time before the virtual visit to discuss with your loved one how much or little you’ll be involved in the conversation and honor the agreement you come to during the telehealth session.
