{"id":10747,"date":"2020-04-16T11:22:54","date_gmt":"2020-04-16T15:22:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=10747"},"modified":"2024-05-21T16:47:53","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T20:47:53","slug":"telehealth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/","title":{"rendered":"What to expect at your first telehealth appointment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one enjoys going to medical offices. What is there to love about sitting in a waiting room surrounded by sick people? And who wants to get in the car, or worse\u2014public transit, and leave the house when they feel sick? This is especially true when the illness or condition could easily be diagnosed and treated by having a conversation with a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:6849,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;9&quot;:1,&quot;10&quot;:2,&quot;12&quot;:0,&quot;14&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:0},&quot;15&quot;:&quot;Arial&quot;}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=CONCATENATE(R[0]C[-2],R[0]C[-3],R[0]C[-1])\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAt least 80%, if not more, of what we do as primary care doctors is to listen, to observe, and to ask questions,\u201d says Georgine Nanos, MD, MPH, a physician and CEO of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/kindhealthgroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kind Health Group<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in California. \u201cThis is how we arrive at most diagnoses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s no surprise that telehealth is gaining popularity in the United States. It\u2019s convenient, it\u2019s cost-effective, and it keeps patients safely away from each other\u2014something that is especially important for protecting public health during the coronavirus<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/coronavirus-information\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pandemic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is telehealth?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cTelehealth is a method of delivering clinical health services to patients at a distance using interactive audio and video telecommunication,\u201d explains James R. Powell, MD, CEO\/CMO of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lishcare.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long Island Select Healthcare<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cTelehealth can be used to provide just about any type of service that doesn\u2019t require the doctor to smell or touch the patient. In general, telehealth helps people get access to the care they need by overcoming the barriers of distance, time, quarantining, stigma, and\/or the patient\u2019s own lack of mobility.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telehealth can be used in a variety of settings:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At home, by individuals connecting with healthcare providers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At schools, to connect with a healthcare provider for advice on care for an ill or injured student<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In hospitals, to consult with specialists in another city<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In seniors\u2019 residences and care facilities, particularly ones locked down due to an outbreak like COVID-19, for medications, follow-ups, assessments, and therapy sessions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For remote patient monitoring (RPM), which sends readings from devices used by the patient at home (such as a blood pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter, or a glucose monitor) to the medical team for monitoring. This allows providers to send messages back to the patient or to connect via video call. COVID-19 kits, including digital stethoscopes, are currently being developed for RPM.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some healthcare providers will provide consultations by phone\u2014particularly during the coronavirus outbreak\u2014but video communication is more common.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Telehealth services<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telehealth can provide a number of services. At Dr. Nanos\u2019 clinic, they address issues such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic illness follow-up<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic pain follow-up<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cough and cold<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes management<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discussing test results<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow-up visits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General questions for the doctor<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure follow-up<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health follow-up such as anxiety and depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medication questions, adjustments, and refills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoking cessation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rashes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specialist referrals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sinus problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substance abuse counseling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting and diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss and wellness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Telehealth vs. telemedicine: What\u2019s the difference?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different practices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telehealth is a broad term for health services rendered remotely using communication technology, not limited to medical consultations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telemedicine is a subset of telehealth that meets the requirements of clinical services (the practice of medicine between a patient and a healthcare provider). Essentially, telemedicine is like a visit to a healthcare provider, but virtually, usually via video-conferencing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telemedicine providers are required to follow the same Health Insurance and Portability Act (HIPAA) responsibilities for virtual care as they are for in-person patient care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why is telehealth important during a pandemic like COVID-19?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cTelehealth supports <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/social-distance-coronavirus-isolation-precautions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">social distancing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by letting healthy people, or people with non-coronavirus conditions, receive primary and urgent care without leaving home,\u201d says Dr. Powell. \u201cThis is critical with so many hospital beds and emergency room bays needed for coronavirus patients.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telehealth can also be used as a form of triage. If a patient isn\u2019t sure whether an illness or injury requires a trip to an in-person healthcare provider, or even an emergency room, a telehealth consultation can determine severity and if further care is needed. If an in-person visit or emergency room trip is deemed necessary, the telehealth practitioner can call ahead to the ambulance, hospital, or in-person care provider with their primary assessment and information. In addition to improving the care of the patient, this is especially helpful during an outbreak like coronavirus to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/healthcare-workers-and-covid-19\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prepare medical staff<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a potentially infectious patient.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/coronavirus-what-to-do-if-you-are-sick\/\"><b>What to do if you think you have coronavirus<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Does insurance cover telehealth?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many insurance providers do offer telehealth coverage, and the number of services covered is increasing. Almost every state has at least some Medicaid telehealth services covered by the program, and Medicaid and Medicare have recently instituted regulations to encourage the use of telehealth during the coronavirus public health emergency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue Cross and Blue Shield have expanded their telehealth coverage in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as have many commercial insurers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAsk your doctor\u2019s office whether they are providing telehealth as an alternative to an in-clinic visit, and whether it will be covered,\u201d says Dr. Powell. \u201cCall your insurer to ask about telehealth coverage or go online to see your covered benefits. They may have updated their websites to reflect the answer to your questions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What to expect at your telehealth appointment<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMuch like an in-office visit, the physician will review the medical chart and history, and then speak with the patient directly to evaluate them,\u201d says Nishant Rao, ND, the Chief Medical Officer at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.doctalkgo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DocTalkGo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in California. \u201cThe doctor will ask medical questions and may request prior records or that additional lab testing be performed. The physician may write a prescription, which is then sent directly to a mail order pharmacy for home delivery or a local pharmacy for the patient to pick-up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some telehealth technology requirements to consider include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A reliable device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop that enables audio\/video<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A program, app, or website to connect with the care provider<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good wired internet connection or strong wifi<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headphones (not essential, but can be helpful with privacy and to block out noise)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>How can a patient prepare for a telehealth appointment?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before the appointment, find a private, quiet space with good lighting. Dr. Nanos suggests logging onto the program 15 minutes before the appointment. Patients should also make sure they know what to do if they become disconnected from the care provider during the appointment. The care provider may call the patient if this happens, so it\u2019s important to ensure the provider has correct contact information for the patient.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have any information the care provider may need handy, such as recent lab results, imaging that has been done, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe things that patients can do to prepare for a telemedicine visit are specific to the type of issue that is being addressed,\u201d says Fernando Ferro, MD, the medical director of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mercydocs.com\/overlea-personal-physicians\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mercy Personal Physicians at Overlea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Maryland. \u201cIf a patient has been sick with an infection, it is helpful if they have checked and recorded their temperature. They should have their medications handy to verify that they are taking the medications that we have listed in their chart. If the patient has hypertension, it is helpful if they have been monitoring their blood pressure at home with a home monitor and recording the readings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients should have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/questions-to-ask-a-doctor\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">list of questions and concerns<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ready and be prepared to show the care provider anything that needs to be assessed visually, such as a rash.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What happens if a diagnosis can\u2019t be made via telehealth?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare professionals conducting telehealth visits will determine if further consultation, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/coronavirus-test\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">testing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or treatment is needed. This may include sending the patient for an in-person consultation with a healthcare provider, advising a patient to call 911 or to go to the hospital for emergency care, or ordering lab tests or imaging.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Can medication be prescribed via telehealth?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes! In most cases, new prescriptions and renewals can be prescribed via telehealth, even if this is the patient\u2019s first appointment with the care provider. Dr. Powell adds that in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has relaxed provisions regarding prescribing controlled substances via telehealth or by phone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The prescribing provider sends the prescription to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/pharmacy-delivery-during-coronavirus-outbreak\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home delivery service<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or to a pharmacy. Filled prescriptions are then dropped off at the patient\u2019s residence, mailed, or available for pick-up at the pharmacy, depending on which option the patient chooses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/pharmacy-delivery-singlecare\/\"><b>How can I get my prescriptions delivered?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>What are some of the benefits of telehealth?<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Accessibility.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many patients face barriers when it comes to in-person healthcare visits. Whether due to disabilities, physical distance\/living in a rural area, or transportation difficulties, many patients are able to receive medical consultations via telehealth they may otherwise have missed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Cost efficiency. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients save in transportation costs and travel time, along with overall healthcare costs thanks to better access to treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Faster availability of appointment times. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Care is available whenever a patient has time, and a doctor has a slot. There are more options when you aren\u2019t limited by location.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Flexibility.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Patients and providers do not need to communicate in real time. Photos of visible conditions such as rashes, data such as blood pressure readings, or patient questions can be sent to the provider at any time. The provider can review this health information, send questions or other materials to the patient, or send instructions ahead of the scheduled appointment time.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Lowered exposure to infection.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The patient isn\u2019t exposed to others who may be contagious, like they would be in a clinic, and healthcare providers aren\u2019t exposed to potentially infectious patients.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>What are some of the limitations of telehealth?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThere are several issues such as trauma, wound care, shortness of breath, and active bleeding that can\u2019t be managed over a telemedicine visit,\u201d says Dr. Nanos.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testing such as blood work and X-rays would also require an in-person appointment to be performed, though they can be ordered through telehealth.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is the future of telehealth?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe current pandemic has greatly increased the use of telemedicine, and I believe that it will be more widely used after the pandemic than it was previously,\u201d says Dr. Ferro.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health organizations such as the American Hospital Association (AHA) are advocating for the expansion of telehealth practices and for more telehealth services to be covered by insurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even before the COVID-19 crisis, the use of telehealth was on the rise. As the healthcare system continues to integrate virtual check-ins and telecommunications technology, patients can look forward to more health care services from the comfort of their own homes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Related resources for telehealth<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aha.org\/factsheet\/telehealth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fact Sheet: Telehealth<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/media-center\/kits\/telemedicine-and-telehealth.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What&#8217;s the Difference Between Telemedicine and Telehealth?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcbs.com\/the-health-of-america\/articles\/innovations-telehealth-lifeline-patients-and-doctors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Innovations in Telehealth: A Lifeline for Patients and Doctors<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/chironhealth.com\/definitive-guide-to-telemedicine\/telemedicine-info-healthcare-providers\/hipaa-compliance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HIPAA Compliance for Telemedicine Providers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/kindhealthgroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kind Health Group<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lishcare.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long Island Select Healthcare<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.doctalkgo.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DocTalkGo<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/arkenea.com\/blog\/telemedicine-benefits\/\">Telemedicine benefits<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No one enjoys going to medical offices. What is there to love about sitting in a waiting room surrounded by sick people? And who wants to get in the car, or worse\u2014public transit, and leave the house when they feel sick? This is especially true when the illness or condition could easily be diagnosed and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":85,"featured_media":10797,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[14636,608,691],"coauthors":[8622],"class_list":["post-10747","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-coronavirus","tag-health-insurance","tag-healthcare-costs","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Telehealth 101: What to expect from your first video visit<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Insurance providers have expanded coverage of telehealth services amid the coronavirus outbreak. Use our guide to prepare to see a doctor without leaving home.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What to expect at your first telehealth appointment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Use our guide to prepare to see a doctor without leaving home\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Checkup\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-04-16T15:22:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-05-21T20:47:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Blog_041620_Telehealth-What-To-Expect-1.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Heather M. Jones\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"What to expect at your first telehealth appointment\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Use our guide to prepare to see a doctor without leaving home\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@SingleCare\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Heather M. Jones\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Janice Rodden\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/169a1d8c8b88282cc3b792a394fc3575\"},\"headline\":\"What to expect at your first telehealth appointment\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-04-16T15:22:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-05-21T20:47:53+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1810,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/04\\\/Blog_041620_Telehealth-What-To-Expect-1.png\",\"keywords\":[\"COVID-19\",\"Health insurance\",\"Healthcare costs\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Health Education\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/\",\"name\":\"Telehealth 101: What to expect from your first video visit\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/04\\\/Blog_041620_Telehealth-What-To-Expect-1.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-04-16T15:22:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-05-21T20:47:53+00:00\",\"description\":\"Insurance providers have expanded coverage of telehealth services amid the coronavirus outbreak. Use our guide to prepare to see a doctor without leaving home.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/04\\\/Blog_041620_Telehealth-What-To-Expect-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/04\\\/Blog_041620_Telehealth-What-To-Expect-1.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"A tablet screen represents telehealth\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/telehealth\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"What to expect at your first telehealth appointment\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Checkup, a health blog by SingleCare\",\"description\":\"Read the latest in prescription, wellness, and healthcare news\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"SingleCare\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/placeholderimage-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/01\\\/placeholderimage-1.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630,\"caption\":\"SingleCare\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/singlecare\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/SingleCare\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/singlecare\\\/?hl=en\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/singlecare\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCd9kiPIjCQw95-2BHCYePKA\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/169a1d8c8b88282cc3b792a394fc3575\",\"name\":\"Janice Rodden\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/52a9a50886f8a50207b3817add6cf041e73c89f3a5b1776ee5f9642e519a0611?s=96&d=mm&r=gd66250315c656457c96a08c8fc87b6bb\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/52a9a50886f8a50207b3817add6cf041e73c89f3a5b1776ee5f9642e519a0611?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/52a9a50886f8a50207b3817add6cf041e73c89f3a5b1776ee5f9642e519a0611?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Janice Rodden\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.singlecare.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/jrodden\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Telehealth 101: What to expect from your first video visit","description":"Insurance providers have expanded coverage of telehealth services amid the coronavirus outbreak. Use our guide to prepare to see a doctor without leaving home.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What to expect at your first telehealth appointment","og_description":"Use our guide to prepare to see a doctor without leaving home","og_url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/","og_site_name":"The Checkup","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare","article_published_time":"2020-04-16T15:22:54+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-05-21T20:47:53+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Blog_041620_Telehealth-What-To-Expect-1.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Heather M. Jones","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"What to expect at your first telehealth appointment","twitter_description":"Use our guide to prepare to see a doctor without leaving home","twitter_creator":"@SingleCare","twitter_site":"@SingleCare","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Heather M. Jones","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/"},"author":{"name":"Janice Rodden","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/169a1d8c8b88282cc3b792a394fc3575"},"headline":"What to expect at your first telehealth appointment","datePublished":"2020-04-16T15:22:54+00:00","dateModified":"2024-05-21T20:47:53+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/"},"wordCount":1810,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Blog_041620_Telehealth-What-To-Expect-1.png","keywords":["COVID-19","Health insurance","Healthcare costs"],"articleSection":["Health Education"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/","name":"Telehealth 101: What to expect from your first video visit","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Blog_041620_Telehealth-What-To-Expect-1.png","datePublished":"2020-04-16T15:22:54+00:00","dateModified":"2024-05-21T20:47:53+00:00","description":"Insurance providers have expanded coverage of telehealth services amid the coronavirus outbreak. Use our guide to prepare to see a doctor without leaving home.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Blog_041620_Telehealth-What-To-Expect-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Blog_041620_Telehealth-What-To-Expect-1.png","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"A tablet screen represents telehealth"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/telehealth\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What to expect at your first telehealth appointment"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/","name":"The Checkup, a health blog by SingleCare","description":"Read the latest in prescription, wellness, and healthcare news","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"SingleCare","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/placeholderimage-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/placeholderimage-1.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"caption":"SingleCare"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/singlecare","https:\/\/x.com\/SingleCare","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/singlecare\/?hl=en","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/singlecare\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCd9kiPIjCQw95-2BHCYePKA"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/169a1d8c8b88282cc3b792a394fc3575","name":"Janice Rodden","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/52a9a50886f8a50207b3817add6cf041e73c89f3a5b1776ee5f9642e519a0611?s=96&d=mm&r=gd66250315c656457c96a08c8fc87b6bb","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/52a9a50886f8a50207b3817add6cf041e73c89f3a5b1776ee5f9642e519a0611?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/52a9a50886f8a50207b3817add6cf041e73c89f3a5b1776ee5f9642e519a0611?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Janice Rodden"},"url":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/author\/jrodden\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10747","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/85"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10747"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10747\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10797"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10747"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10747"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10747"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=10747"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}