What is telehealth and when should you use it?
How telehealth works
Telehealth, sometimes called virtual care, lets you connect with a doctor or medical professional by phone, video, or online messaging instead of going to an office in person.
It can help you get support sooner and make routine care more convenient. Through a telehealth appointment, a doctor can assess your symptoms, diagnose some conditions, recommend next steps, and send a prescription to your pharmacy.
Depending on your health insurance plan and the type of care you need, telehealth may be available through your primary care provider (PCP), a specialist, a mental health provider, or a virtual care service.
When to use telehealth
Telehealth is often a good choice for everyday health issues that don't need hands-on care, lab work, or emergency treatment.
Common reasons to use telehealth include:
- Minor health concerns like headaches, colds, allergies, or a sore throat
- Skin issues, including rashes and insect bites
- Medication questions and prescription refills
- Behavioral health support, including stress, anxiety, depression, and grief
Telehealth isn't a replacement for emergency care. Call 911 or go to the emergency room for life-threatening symptoms, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of stroke, severe injury, or uncontrolled bleeding.
How to prepare for a telehealth visit
Don't wait until the minute your appointment starts to make sure everything is working.
At least 15 minutes before your visit, check your internet connection. Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in. Join the virtual appointment early to ensure your camera and microphone are working properly. This prevents you from wasting your valuable appointment time fixing technical glitches.
Your doctor needs to be able to hear you clearly and see you properly. Don't take a telehealth call in a busy coffee shop or a dark room.
Find a private room in your home and shut the door to reduce background noise. Sit facing a window or a lamp so the light shines on your face. This is especially important if you need the doctor to look at your skin, eyes, or throat.
It's easy to forget things when you are talking to a doctor. Before you join the virtual appointment, write down a short list of your symptoms and exactly when they started.
Have a list of all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you currently take. You should also have the name, address, and phone number of your preferred local pharmacy written down. The doctor will need this information to send over any prescriptions.
For an in-person appointment, a nurse takes your vitals. At home, you can help the doctor by doing this yourself.
If you own a thermometer, take your temperature right before the call. If you have a blood pressure cuff, write down your latest reading. If you own a bathroom scale, check your current weight. Having these numbers ready can help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.
Using telehealth with your health insurance
Telehealth benefits can vary by health plan. Some plans include virtual care through a telehealth service, while others may cover virtual visits with doctors in your network. Costs, availability, and covered services may also depend on your plan type.
If you're a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) member, log in to your member portal to review your benefits and find telehealth options available with your plan. You can also call the Customer Service number on your member ID card if you need help understanding your coverage.
