Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

What is telemedicine?

It's the use of information technology including the telephone, the Internet and personal computers, for diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients. Telemedicine is adding a new dimension to modern health care. These advances are not only making care more accessible and convenient, they are also helping to raise the quality and contain the costs of medical care.

 

Why Telemedicine?

It’s Fast. No more waiting rooms with sick people, no driving, no babysitter; connect to a doctor instantly via phone or email. 

It’s Convenient. You get care when you need it, whether you’re traveling, at work or in your home 24/7, 365 days a year. 

It’s Affordable. Telemedicine costs less than traditional office visits, and avoids the expense of travel. 

It’s Easy. Our process is simple, secure and electronically maintains your medical history.

It’s Reliable. Telemedicine doctors are all U.S. Based and licensed. 

It’s Transferable.  You can share your electronic medical records with your primary care physician, family, or other specialist. 

 

When should I use telemedicine?

• When your physician is not available

• For non-emergency care: cold, flu, sinus infection, allergies, respiratory infection, bronchitis, pink eye, urinary tract infections

• After normal hours of operation

• On a vacation or business trip

 

How can a traditional face-to-face doctor visit be replaced with a telephonic or online medical consultation?

Telemedicine service is not intended to replace your primary care physician. Telemedicine provides access to licensed physicians for medical consultations to supplement the care from your primary care physician. For common or chronic conditions, a telephone or email medical consultation can sometimes replace a doctor office or emergency room visit, but communication with your primary care physician is important for continuity of care. Telemedicine’s online tools allow patients to share their Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) with their primary care physicians – quickly and easily. 

 

May a doctor be allowed to diagnose and treat a patient over the telephone without ever seeing the patient face-to-face?

This is determined on a case-by-case basis by the consulting physician using his/her own medical judgment as to whether sufficient information has been obtained from the patient on which to make evaluation, diagnoses, and recommend a treatment plan, which may or may not include prescriptions for medication. This entire process is documented appropriately, and in detail, and under no circumstances do any physicians in the Telemedicine Physician Network prescribe any DEA-controlled (Class II, etc.) medications.

 

Does telemedicine offer access to both informational and diagnostic medical consultations by telephone to physicians in all US states?

Currently, Telemedicine offers access to informational medical consultations by telephone and secure email to physicians in all US states; and access to diagnostic medical consultations by telephone and video to physicians in all US states. 

 

How does Telemedicine ensure high quality physicians? 

Credentials for physicians are conducted every two years. These physicians are also subject to a 10% random audit, which exceeds NCQA standards.