Benefiting from a Telehealth / Telemedicine Virtual Medical Appointment
Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a surge in Telehealth services. At Florida OrthoCare, our orthopedic team is here to help. During the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, South Florida orthopedic patients seeking medical attention can easily connect with a medical provider from our orthopedic group. Our trained orthopedic physicians will deliver virtual care to patients during the pandemic. This remote service allows flexibility and allows our doctors the ability to connect with patients timely.
Telehealth Orthopedic Care – Medicare and Commercial Health Insurances
The Trump administration in March 2020 announced the expansion of Telehealth services. The unprecedented expansion was due to an effort to encourage social distancing and decrease the spread and risk of the coronavirus.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Telehealth Orthopedic Visits
Q: Does it matter where I live in order to qualify by my health insurance company for a Telehealth virtual appointment?
A: Prior to the recent pandemic, health insurance such as Medicare would only pay for Telehealth appointments on a limited basis. For example, previously to the pandemic, patient’s living in rural areas could qualify for Medicare coverage. On March 6, 2020, the Trump administration expanded Telehealth with a 1135 waiver. This 1135 waiver allows doctors and health providers the ability to treat patients virtually.
Q: What is a Virtual Check-In?
A: A virtual check-in are short patient-initiated communications with their healthcare provider. Orthopedic patients must verbally give consent in order to receive virtual check-in services and be an established patient with Florida OrthoCare.
Q: What is an E-Visit?
A: An E-Visit are non face to face patient initiated communications conducted through an online patient portal.
Q: Are Telehealth appointments considered the same as an in-person visit?
A: Telehealth appointments are considered the same as an in-person visit. Medicare coinsurance and deductibles would generally apply the same as an in-office visit.
Q: Is video conferencing secure and compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
A: Per the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR), they will exercise enforcement discretion and waive penalties for HIPAA violations that work under good faith through everyday technologies such as FaceTime or Skype during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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