The New Normal in Healthcare Delivery
Telehealth was available before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was used sparingly. The pandemic accelerated its adoption by years virtually overnight, and both patients and providers discovered that many types of healthcare interactions work well through video or phone. Today, telehealth is not a temporary workaround. It is a permanent, valuable component of modern healthcare delivery.
At Zimmer Medical Group, we offer telehealth visits alongside in-person care because the best approach depends on the situation. Understanding when each option makes sense helps you get the right care in the most convenient way.
When Telehealth Works Well
Telehealth is most effective for health concerns that rely primarily on conversation, visual assessment through a camera, and review of existing data. The following situations are well-suited for virtual visits:
Chronic Disease Follow-Up
If you have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, or other chronic conditions that are stable and well-managed, routine follow-up visits are often ideal for telehealth. Your doctor can review your home blood pressure readings, blood glucose logs, recent lab results, and medication list, then adjust your treatment plan without you needing to travel to the office.
Medication Management and Refills
Routine medication reviews, dose adjustments, and prescription refills for established medications are efficiently handled through telehealth. This is especially helpful for patients taking medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, depression, anxiety, or other conditions requiring regular follow-up.
Mental Health Counseling
Mental health care translates particularly well to telehealth. Studies published by the American Medical Association (AMA) show that telehealth therapy and psychiatric appointments are comparably effective to in-person visits for most patients. Many patients actually prefer the privacy and comfort of attending mental health appointments from home.
Minor Acute Illnesses
Upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, urinary tract infections (with known history), pink eye, mild rashes, and other minor illnesses can often be diagnosed and treated through a video visit. Your doctor can visually assess your condition, ask targeted questions, and prescribe appropriate treatment without an office visit.
Dermatology Review
Many skin conditions can be assessed through high-quality video or photographs. Follow-up on known skin conditions, medication adjustments for acne or eczema, and evaluation of new rashes or lesions are frequently appropriate for telehealth. However, suspicious moles or lesions that require dermoscopy or biopsy will need an in-person visit.
Test Result Review
Reviewing blood work, imaging results, pathology reports, and other test results is often more efficient through telehealth. Your doctor can share their screen to walk you through results, explain findings, and discuss next steps.
Post-Surgical or Post-Procedure Follow-Up
Many routine follow-up visits after surgery or procedures primarily involve checking symptoms and answering questions rather than physical examination. Your surgeon can assess wound healing through video in many cases.
Health Coaching and Lifestyle Counseling
Discussions about diet, exercise, stress management, smoking cessation, weight management, and other lifestyle modifications are naturally suited to telehealth.
When You Need to Come In Person
Some healthcare interactions require hands-on assessment, specialized equipment, or procedures that cannot be replicated virtually:
Comprehensive Physical Examinations
Annual physicals, new patient evaluations, and any visit requiring a thorough physical exam should be in person. Your doctor needs to listen to your heart and lungs, palpate your abdomen, check your reflexes, assess your range of motion, and perform other hands-on evaluations that a camera cannot replace.
New or Concerning Symptoms
If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, neurological symptoms like weakness or numbness, significant unexplained weight loss, or other new and concerning symptoms, come in for an in-person evaluation. These situations require physical examination and potentially immediate testing.
Procedures and Vaccinations
Anything that involves a needle, a scope, a swab, or hands-on treatment requires an in-person visit. This includes vaccinations, injections, biopsies, wound care, joint aspirations, and minor office procedures.
Blood Work and Lab Tests
While your doctor can order labs during a telehealth visit, you will need to visit a lab or the office for the actual blood draw. Many practices, including ours, coordinate this so that you complete labs before a telehealth follow-up to review results.
Imaging Studies
X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and other imaging studies require in-person visits to the appropriate facility. Your doctor can order these during a telehealth visit and then review results at a subsequent telehealth appointment.
Acute Injuries
Sprains, possible fractures, lacerations requiring stitches, and other injuries need in-person evaluation and treatment. If you are unsure whether an injury needs in-person care, a quick telehealth triage visit can help determine the best next step.
Conditions Requiring Specialized Equipment
Hearing tests, vision exams, pulmonary function tests, electrocardiograms, and other evaluations requiring specialized diagnostic equipment must be done in person.
How to Get the Most Out of a Telehealth Visit
Telehealth visits are healthcare appointments, and they deserve the same preparation as in-person visits. According to HHS telehealth resources, proper preparation significantly improves the virtual care experience.
Before Your Visit
- Test your technology. Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection work. Most telehealth platforms allow a test connection before the appointment.
- Find a quiet, private, well-lit space. Background noise and poor lighting make it harder for your doctor to see and hear you effectively.
- Have your information ready. Prepare your medication list, symptom notes, blood pressure or blood sugar readings, and any questions you want to address, just as you would for an in-person visit.
- Have a thermometer, blood pressure cuff, or scale nearby if relevant to your visit. Your doctor may ask you to take a reading during the appointment.
During Your Visit
- Look at the camera, not the screen, when speaking. This creates the effect of eye contact and improves communication.
- Speak clearly and take turns. Audio delays can cause interruptions. Give your doctor time to respond.
- Show, don't just tell. If you have a rash, swelling, or wound, position your camera to give your doctor a clear view. Good lighting and steady camera positioning help.
- Take notes or ask your doctor to send a written summary through the patient portal.
Technical Tips
- Use a device with a large screen when possible (tablet or computer rather than phone)
- Connect to Wi-Fi rather than cellular data for better video quality
- Close other applications and browser tabs to dedicate bandwidth to your visit
- Have a phone number available as a backup if the video connection drops
Privacy Considerations
Telehealth visits should be conducted on HIPAA-compliant platforms, which your healthcare provider is responsible for ensuring. On your end:
- Choose a private location where others cannot overhear your medical discussion
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for telehealth appointments
- Log out of the telehealth platform after your visit
Insurance Coverage
Most major insurance plans now cover telehealth visits at the same copay or coinsurance rate as in-person visits, a change that was accelerated by the pandemic and has largely been made permanent through legislation. Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurers provide telehealth coverage, though specific policies vary. Check with your insurance provider or our office staff if you have questions about coverage for your plan.
The Future of Hybrid Care
The most effective healthcare model combines the convenience and accessibility of telehealth with the thoroughness of in-person care. At our practice, we help patients determine which format works best for each specific need, and we seamlessly blend both approaches to provide comprehensive, convenient care.
Your healthcare team is available both in person and virtually. The right choice depends on what you need, and we are here to help you navigate that decision.
Ready to schedule a visit, in person or virtual? Contact Zimmer Medical Group to book the appointment type that fits your needs. We are here for you, wherever you are.
