Have you used telehealth services?

[AARPRachelA]

What has your experience been like using telehealth services? Have you found these services to be beneficial and easy to use? If you haven't used them, why?

Learn more and hear directly from some patients about their telehealth experiences.

[pb19558623]

Yes I have used telehealth and I had a positive experience. I see a neurologist annually because I had a seizure 4 years ago. She normally just asks if I have had any problems over the past year, if I have had any hospitalizations or changes in medications over the past year, etc. This year I decided to do telehealth when it was offered as an option. It was great. In less than 10 minutes, I was out of the “doctor’s office “. I do not think that I would do it for a PCP visit. How do they listen to my heart and lungs? How do they poke around my abdomen? 

[DavidW456225]

Hi,

Due to the current covid19 pandemic I've had two telehealth session's so far with two different doctor's. Of course by me being somewhat old fashioned, I would much rather have an in person vist with my doctor's. But at least for me, since I a technology oriented type of guy I would have to say I rather enjoyed both of them. At least with one of them I finally got to see what my recently appointed primary doctor actually looks like since I've yet to actually see him in person. So I really feel like they do have a valid place in the medical field. Of course there is one very important fact to consider, the better internet/phone connection the better the session performs. 

[1yellowrock]

Used once with my mother's doctor and was one of the worst experiences ever. Mom will not use computer of any kind or program so it was by phone.  Doctor has very soft voice and was obviously using a mask.  We could barely hear her and kept asking for repeat of everything.  Was a waste of time and effort on both sides.  Something like zoom may have worked better but doubt could hear the doctor any better.  Cost of telephone appointment was more than in person visit, another waste.

[lmjdmc984]

I have. 3 times so far. I’ve had the same Primary Care Physician for over 25 years. My experience has been very positive.

[SusanJ403331]

Yes I have had to use telehealth for numerous occasions. It is convenient is about all I can say. Many doctors are not comfortable talking with their patients in person and I guess that helps them. However, I don not feel that a doctor can adequately assess a patient without seeing them in person. Being a retired nurse I know how seeing a patient in person you may sometimes notice subtle changes in a patient that you can not see over the phone. You can not assess any systems of the body over the phone. Some doctors are charging more for telehealth appointments than in person appointments. I believe this is a terribly inadequate way of providing patient care.

[ThomasT719980]

I have used telehealth services once since the start of covid-19.

The first was with a specialist for some of the conditions I have. I was able to ask all the questions I had and he prescribed new medications.  The only thing missing was I was not able to have my lung tests. It was at least as good as an in-person visit.

I will make as many of my appointments telehealth as possible.

[MartinG987436]

I use as little of it as possible.  I don't need an audience looking down my throat.

[Usfolks]

Both myself and my husband have used telehealth services since the pandemic started. We are very satisfied. Of course, we are with our family internist who is very familiar with us ( and we with him ).  We would be satisfied to continue this way and checking physically once in awhile or when necessary.

[LindaW811482]

My last "physical" was over the phone.  I'm diabetic and hadn't even had my labs done yet, although those turned out alright a month later.  I wasn't charged for the visit since it was considered preventive, and I don't have another appointment until next year, which is kind of a relief.  For the last 6 years since my diabetes diagnosis I've had to get labs done and see the doctor every 6 months.  Now I can save that extra $40 copay for when I actually NEED to see the doctor for an actual problem.

[OscarE1968]

Yes I have at the onset of the epidemic. It was great in the comfort of my home. Awesome, copay was the same as an office visit & prescription was ready within the hour for pick up at my pharmacy.

[KathleenD478288]

Yes

[dlg1848]

Yes, because I could not get my prescription refilled unless I made a doctor appt. which I did not feel comfortable doing at this time. My gripe is that it consisted of a less than 3 min. phone call from my doctor who just asked me if anything new was going on to which I replied "No." Did not ask me current weight, or if I have been taking my blood pressure. Cost was the same as if I would have made a physical appointment. I think this is the new health care rip off. Telehealth should not cost the same as a physical appointment, much less time and energy goes into it. 

[JeffreyC310785]

I had my regular check up with this service and I was doing it on face time. My doctor looked at me and said I look happy and wanted to make sure I was staying inside, which I am. She spent about 2 minutes talking to me asking me if I needed any prescriptions filled. This whole exam took approx 5 minutes, and she still charged me the same amount as a regular office visit. Because of the pandemic I have not been able to go in and have I blood drawn, which is what I do regularly. My doctor told me not to have it done until it was safe. I do believe that doctors are charging to much for the telehealth services, at least my doctor is.  

[MaVolta]

Yes, it is very helpful for a routine follow-up visit. It was made available through an app downloaded to my iPhone and it was very easy to sign in and use. The same app can access all of my medical information. There are times that a physical exam is necessary, or a test must be done, so not all in-person appointments have been eliminated, but will have a virtual appointment to follow up on test results, etc.

Many providers now have on-line communication platforms. You sign into the website, or app, and can leave non-urgent messages or follow up questions for a doctor or nurse.  Many providers also have 24/7 nurse assistance available.  I have made good use of these services, as well.

[bw4331]

Yes

[angeleyes64]

Yes, I have with my PCP, my Therapist, and Dr. who administers my meds. I have too many lung problems to see anyone but my lung Dr. right now. 

It didn't bother me at all. If I find I need to see my PCP I'll go and wait in the hall if I have to.

I do have to see my Surgeon next week for a shot in my shoulder for a torn rotor cuff, I have to go it is killing me. I will also wait in the hall if it is crowded.  

[PearlsParents]

We attempted to use Teledoc which was offered through my health care plan. I accessed the Teledoc portal and attempted to register. I couldnt get the registration to complete so contacted the 800 number.  The representative was also not able to complete the registration and found a message that said my husband wasnt eligible for benefits until the following day.  He has been on my policy for the last 17 years.  We gave up.  I finally took him to the ER 32 hours later and he spent 5 days in ICU with sepsis from a very large kidney stone and nearly died.  I dont anticipate using Teledoc in the future.

[UpperHandsPiano]

Yes, when I was afraid that I might be in the early stages of Covid-19. I had to download an app on my iPhone, then the doctor contacted me through the app at our appointed time. I found it extremely helpful and reassuring to be able to speak to her about my symptoms without running the risk of contagion in her office. I’m not on Medicare yet and usually get charged a copay for a visit but this one was free! Perhaps because it was a Covid related concern. I loved the convenience and hope this service continues! 

[a250787r]

Yes, 3 times since March 1 when I started self-distancing to avoid Covid-19 due to my high risk status.  All 3 experiences were very positive for me and for the provider.  For me in addition to eliminating risk of contracting Covid-19 it was also very simple with no travel, parking, waiting - I simply accessed the app 15 minutes before the appointment, answered the questions, then the doctor came on the screen.  I have devices at home that measure bp, heart rate & oxygenation & temperature so was able to provide those, cardiologist said he would have preferred to measure bp himself but otherwise they were satisfied with the video visit as a temporary expedient, and nothing substitutes for bloodwork which willhave to wait until the offices reopen which I think will come very soon, or I will be sent to the ER to get that done.  I hope they will continue offering televisits but I know they all prefer person to person though I don't know when it will be safe for high risk folks like me to go to medical waiting rooms.

[CynthiaP1954]

Yes. Did not like. There was no way the doctor to check my range of motion. This was a follow up to a shoulder manipulation following a reverse shoulder replacement. 

[ls4668]

Yes, I have used Telehealth 3 times 3 different Drs.   I'm disabled and can't walk well using a walker so Telehealth is very helpful for me.  So much less stress on me and I can keep up with my semiannual appointments. 

[suesan49]

Yes 

[cmmazzara]

I have used them 3 times and I loved it. Very easy to get connected, no travel time, and I could be very casual.  I answered Dr’s questions ahead of time and had all my questions written down and was ready to go. 
I would love to continue tele visits. 

[shermor]

I had my annual cardiology check this way. It was quick, easy - answered the drs questions & within 10 minutes the appt was over. I didn’t have to drive anywhere, get dressed up, sit and wait & wait. Oh yes, it was a very good experience. 

[BertyBGone]

I know I'll have to use telehealth for a general checkup in the new few months and I'm dreading it.  Not so much the actual appointment, but I'm nervous about getting everything set up ahead of time, making sure it works, hoping I don't accidentally disconnect, etc etc.  It'll probably be OK, but the anticipation is making me a nervous wreck!  😷

[memagomes]

Hi Berty, 

Don't fret about getting your telehealth call. The medical offices have had lots of months of getting this set in place and trying it out. If you are receiving the call on your cell phone, you just open the call and hit the button that looks like a video camera.  If you are doing it on your computer, you will get a link in your e-mail. I hope this helps ease your anxiety over telehealth visits. I love them, and if I had my way, they would all be like this! I would take not having to go into the office any day!  

ps: my husband is the most un-tech savvy person I know, and he does his VA appointments monthly via telehealth (for which I am most thankful for) and if HE can manage it, I KNOW you can 🙂

[m9109s]

We have had 3 telehealth experiences with doctors for routine appointments for my husband.  Doctors are using different services that are not compatible with what patients have available.  While we were able to use WebEx and Mend just fine on the computer, one doctor could only use Facetime which only works on iPhone.  We have all Android phones.  So that appointment was held by phone call only.  We have a strong preference for doing it on the computer.  The video is better, the sound is better and it's compatible with more programs.  Not everybody, especially older people, uses their phone for everything.

[memagomes]

You might contact the office of the doctor you had a problem with... facetime only is a BIG problem because, as you said, you are an android family (as am I). There are other ways to connect between an iPhone and an Android, and perhaps the doctor is ill-informed or too lazy to use the computer. 

If this is a doctor you have regular appointments with, there has to be another option, because in this time where telehealth has become necessary, they need to connect with various computers and phone makers.