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PATIENT EMPOWERMENT NETWORK
In the meantime, the answer is, you need to go to a lab, hospital or clinic for testing, which is in most cases what happens currently. Things like genetic tests can be done with saliva, so some samples can be packaged from the home and shipped to a lab to be evaluated. So it depends on the test, but unfortunately, for a lot of these tests, we still have to send people to a lab to get a blood specimen drawn or to leave a urine or stool specimen.
How can patients best identify whether their doctors provide a telemedicine option?
Honora Miller:
Dr. Kvedar
Well, these days, I think most doctors are being very proactive, because we have this dilemma, where we want to take care of you but we're discouraging you from coming to healthcare facilities because of the risk of contracting the virus. If your doctor hasn't reached out to you and you feel like you need a consultation or some care, reach out to your doctor and ask them what telehealth platform they're using. The government also said in the middle of March, when they relaxed the reimbursement rules, that providers could use any technology right now that we wanted during this crisis, including FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom et cetera. I've been telling patients, if you're comfortable, there's no harm in asking your doctor's office if they will talk with you via FaceTime or another platform. I would say the first step is to ask your provider. Most people can also get access to basic telehealth services through large pharmacy chains. If you happen to have a CVS app on your phone or a Walgreens app, you can get a telehealth visit that way as well.
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