HEALTH

The Doctor Will See You (Virtually) Now

By Jan Arrant

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected so much of our daily lives. And it may affect something you haven’t thought about: your next trip to the doctor. Visiting your doctor virtually is convenient, and in many circumstances, it may be the safest way to seek routine medical care. But when you aren’t face-to-face in the same room as your physician, clear communication is more important than ever.

Your doctor may be the medical expert, but you are the expert when it comes to your body and health care preferences. So, now more than ever, it’s vital to be your own advocate.

Denise Johnson, MD, a family physician on staff at Methodist Richardson Medical Center, lists five ways to get the most out of your next (or maybe first) telemedicine visit.

1. DO RESEARCH

If you’ve been diagnosed with a health condition, educate yourself about your disease. Learn what you can from reliable sources, such as the U.S. National Library of Medicine or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can use what you’ve learned to guide the conversation with your doctor.

“Look for evidence-based information,” Dr. Johnson advises. “You can also use known health systems’ websites, such as Methodist HealthSystem.org to build your knowledge.”

2. KEEP A LIST

Keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you’re taking, including names and dosages.

“If you have diabetes, have recent home glucose readings available,” Dr. Johnson says. “If you have high blood pressure, have blood pressure readings available. Consider checking your temperature and weight as well.”

3. KNOW YOUR DIGITAL PREFERENCES

When you schedule a virtual appointment through Methodist NOW or another telemedicine service, the support staff can help by asking you a series of questions to determine which teleconferencing app or platform is most familiar to you. If you’re uncertain about new software, it might be good to have a trusted friend or relative help you set it up, Dr. Johnson suggests.

4. ASK QUESTIONS

It is your right and responsibility to be informed about all aspects of your medical care. If you are unsure about any treatment, medication or recommendation, ask your doctor to clarify.

“Consider having your questions written ahead of time,” Dr. Johnson says.

5. KEEP YOUR OWN RECORDS

Even a brief appointment with your doctor can involve a lot of information. Keeping your own records of conversations and instructions helps eliminate confusion later.

Here are some of the things your doctor can treat via virtual care:

Acne

Nausea

Allergies

Pink eye

Constipation

Rash

Cough

Respiratory problems

Diarrhea

Sore throat

Ear problems

Urinary problems

Fever

Vomiting

Flu

Insect bites

Headache

And more

Ultimately, Dr. Johnson says, telemedicine is an innovative way to approach health care.

“Patients will receive the same competent and compassionate care, just without the hands-on physical exam of a face-to-face clinical experience,” she says. “Primary and specialty care are at your fingertips in the comfort of your home.”

Telemedicine may be convenient, but it’s not the right call for emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, you should never hesitate to call 911 for help. •

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.