Healthy Living, Retirement Planning

Keeping Healthy at Home: Preparing for a Telehealth Appointment

Things to know before setting up your virtual doctor visit

With our information-based society and amid increased safety concerns, the internet can be a valuable tool in wellness and healthcare. It’s becoming more and more commonplace to make — and participate in — doctor’s appointments virtually. Known as virtual or telehealth appointments, there can be real advantages to taking certain medical visits online.

First and foremost, a virtual visit minimizes risk to both the patient and the healthcare provider. A potentially susceptible patient does not expose him or herself to a variety of potential diseases and infections present in a typical waiting room.

Secondly, it vastly improves access to care for people with limited mobility, or those living in a remote location. Non-emergency care such as wellness visits are quicker and easier, as is coaching for services like weight management, nutrition and even physical or speech therapy.

But before you tie up your home-based examination gown behind you, make sure that you’ve done some preparation to make sure it all goes smoothly.

Check your technology

Find out from your doctor what platform you’ll be meeting through and make sure it’s downloaded on your device and tested before your appointment time. Many health networks have their own app for your smart phone or tablet, so you want to make sure that you are using the correct one. Don’t be waiting for your doctor to join a Zoom call while their office exclusively uses Doxy.

Double check that the technology you’ll be using is covered for insurance reimbursement, as Medicare and Medicaid may have certain restrictions for allowed secure software.

Since you’ll have the opportunity to take notes, make sure that you have the ability to go hands-free with your device. The laws about recording telehealth appointments vary from state to state, so if this is an option you want to consider, consult with your healthcare provider’s office beforehand.

Prepare as you would for any doctor’s visit

First, be sure to complete any requested forms before your appointment time. Then, have any questions for the provider ready to go – and that you’re ready to answer questions about current medications you’re taking, symptoms and other pertinent information.

Get comfortable

Set up in a well-lit, quiet, private space where you have access to a strong, reliable WiFi signal. Try to keep interruptions and disruptions to a minimum. This is your valuable time with your doctor— and their valuable time.

Home healthcare depends upon healthy home care

Looking out for your health at home is important to the long-term investment in your body. Taking the same care for your investment in your home is as important for your finances. If you are a homeowner who is 62 years old or older, leveraging the equity built up in your home with a reverse mortgage may be something to explore as you plan for a comfortable, healthy retirement.

Find out more about the benefits of a reverse mortgage loan from Reverse Mortgage Funding, LLC (RMF). Call RMF today at (888) 277-1567 to schedule a convenient, virtual appointment with a local loan specialist

This content is sponsored by RMF, one of the nation’s leading reverse mortgage lenders. We are dedicated to helping older Americans retire more freely, in the comfort of their own homes. As a result of our commitment to providing an extraordinary and positive customer experience, we have earned a 98% customer satisfaction rating; a 4.7-star / Excellent score on Trustpilot; 4.8 out of 5 stars on LendingTree; and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Call 888-277-1567 to speak with a licensed reverse mortgage specialist to learn about our retirement financing products and solutions.

Not medical advice. Consult your physician with any health-related inquiries.

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