At AAPRI, we are constantly working to provide top-notch treatment for our patients. We do this by offering you a variety of options for your health care — from conveniences like our patient portal to innovative treatment options like functional medicine. We are pleased to announce that we are now offering telemedicine for our patients.
How does telemedicine work?
Telemedicine is conducted through secure, HIPAA-compliant video calling. Instead of coming into the office, you will have a private, scheduled video call with one of our doctors or health care professionals. Appointments last 15 minutes — the same as an onsite appointment, but without the waiting room time!
To book a telemedicine appointment, simply contact our office as you would to book a regular onsite appointment. After you book your appointment time, you will receive a link for your appointment. At your appointment time, you will click the link to enter the video call. You can do this on your phone through the Zoom app, or on your computer. (We recommend clicking the link a few minutes early, so you are ready for the call.)Â
What are the benefits of telemedicine?
With today’s busy schedules, it can be difficult to make time to come in for an in-person appointment. And in the height of flu season, not to mention recent cases of coronavirus in Rhode Island, people are understandably concerned about coming to a doctor’s office for routine follow up or well visits. (Of course, we take every precaution for our patients’ safety, so you need not worry. But we understand that some patients may feel more comfortable using telemedicine for their routine follow ups, and your comfort is key!)
No matter what your reason is for being unable to make it into the office, telemedicine offers an easy way for you to receive health care on your time, in the comfort of your home. And because it is a documented, charted visit, these appointments can be easily integrated into your current health care records and treatment plans.Â
What kind of visits can be done through telemedicine?
It’s important to remember that telemedicine is NOT for urgent visits, sick visits, or appointments where we need to address significant breathing problems or serious allergic reactions. If you need testing, such as spirometry or allergy tests, they cannot be done through telemedicine. Of course, if you are experiencing anaphylaxis or another breathing emergency, we always recommend that you dial 911.
Telemedicine is great for:
- Follow up appointments
- Prescription refill visits (we can order prescription refills for medications except SSRIs)
- Generalized sinus issues
- Non-acute allergic symptoms
- Allergy and asthma care questions and concerns
Is telemedicine covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies, so please check with us as you book your appointment and we will determine whether you are covered. However, telemedicine is significantly less expensive than a typical office visit, so some patients simply opt to pay out of pocket for the service. It’s entirely up to you.Â
Would telemedicine work for me?
If you’re not sure, call us! We’ll be happy to tell you more about telemedicine and find out if it’s the right solution for your needs.
