ALL ABOUT TELEHEALTH

When it comes to your health, both physical and mental, it’s important that you make it a top priority. At AFM Healthcare we want to help you live the healthiest and best life you possibly can, which is why we are currently offering telehealth services to any and all of our patients. Due to the current standings of our world, telehealth is more important than ever and we want to make sure that you’re getting the best type of healthcare that you can, even if it’s from the comfort and safety of your own home. In this blog post we will be discussing what telehealth is and how you can figure out if you’re a good fit for it. Keep reading to learn more and connect with us today for more information. 

Before we begin, it’s important to note that telehealth has become a huge part of the world we live in today. Whether you’re feeling sick with symptoms of COVID-19, you’re someone who is considered to be at high risk of susceptibility to the virus, or you just aren’t comfortable visiting public spaces (especially medical ones) yet, it’s important that you understand your options when it comes to telehealth. You may also be asked to not come into our offices if you are displaying symptoms of coronavirus such as coughing or a high-temperature fever. This is for the safety of our employees, doctors, and other patients. Please reach out to us directly if you are feeling unwell or are unsure if you should come in or not. 

WHAT IS TELEHEALTH? 

Telehealth is not a new concept, but it is becoming more widely used among all types of healthcare offices and providers. Telehealth is the ability to have your normal doctors visits, check-ups, and other services all provided to you without having to go into the physical office that you’re used to. This may be something that takes place over the phone or over a video chat. Depending on the type of service and help you are needing, you may also be able to do these on your own cell phone and might not even need to be in your usual home area. The options of telehealth are truly unique and a great option for so many people. Please be aware that not all of our services are able to be done online or over the phone, for some services and procedures you may be asked to come into our office but we can assure you that we are doing our best to make sure that our offices are clean and sanitized for your safety. If you are unable to receive a service through telehealth, our doctors will work with you to figure out the best plan of action.

If you are concerned about what we are doing or just want more information about how we’re doing our part to keep you and our employees safe, please connect with us. You can also visit us online to learn more about our COVID-19 procedures here.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TELEHEALTH?

Next, we’re going to offer some advice to help you see if you’re a good candidate for telehealth. While almost anyone can utilize telehealth systems, there are some people who may benefit more from these than others. Let’s learn more! 

YOU HAVE A WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM.

If you’re someone who has a weakened immune system, whether this is from a specific illness, medication, or for any other reason, you may want to consider telehealth appointments. Especially with everything going on right now, staying home and away from public areas may be the best for you. Discuss with your doctor or provider to see if you can do all of your appointments online, and if you can, then it’s better for you and your health! 

YOU’RE DISPLAYING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS.

This is especially important right now but if you are displaying symptoms of the coronavirus, you need to consider telehealth. All though the world is beginning to open up and there are more ways that public spaces are protecting themselves against the spread of the virus, this virus is still extremely prevalent in all communities and if you are displaying symptoms, you need to stay home. Symptoms of the coronavirus are coughing, fever, loss of taste or smell, and other respiratory problems. You can learn more about the symptoms by visiting the CDC’s website. 

YOU’RE ELDERLY OR UNABLE TO TRANSPORT YOURSELF.

We understand that some elderly patients may not be comfortable going into our physical offices at this time, since most of them are to be considered high-risk. We also understand that you may not have the ability to transport yourself to our offices. Whether this is for personal reasons or you’re feeling so sick that you don’t feel comfortable to drive yourself in, this is another great way that you can utilize telehealth to your advantage. Depending on the service that you need, you may be able to get everything you need taken care of all from your home.

YOU’RE NOT COMFORTABLE LEAVING YOUR HOME YET.

Once again, even though things are beginning to open up and there are less restrictions, not everyone is comfortable venturing out and back into their normal daily lives. We respect all of our patients’ wishes and want them to know that if they are not comfortable, we will do everything we can to help them get the best healthcare possible. 

YOU’RE CONSIDERED TO BE HIGH-RISK.

If you’re someone who is high-risk, not only to the coronavirus but to other illnesses, it’s important that you consider telehealth for your own safety. For the coronavirus, people who are considered to be high-risk are people who of an older age, have weakened immune systems, or are susceptible to other respiratory illnesses. It’s also important to note that while some people are considered to be more high risk, everyone is still susceptible to the coronavirus and can contract it. 

We hope this helped offer you more insight to telehealth. Once again, at AFM Healthcare we are doing everything we can to help keep our employees safe and protected. We offer a wide variety of services and have two locations in Winter Park and Oviedo. If you are or think you’re having symptoms of coronavirus, please call our office before coming in. We can set up televisit appointments. We do urge you, if you’re feeling sick with any of the symptoms, to avoid going to public offices like emergency rooms or urgent care clinics.  For more information about what we’re doing or questions about what to do if you’re feeling symptoms, connect with us today! We’re here for you.