Just a few weeks ago, visiting your doctor, dentist or even therapist was as simple as making an appointment and heading to the office. Now, with COVID-19 and social distancing, many of us are hesitant to visit our health providers due to safety concerns. But here at Hamilton, we want you to know you can still see your provider – and it can even be over the phone.
Last week we launched TELEHEALTH medicine. Telehealth, or telemedicine, is basically medical care over the phone. With this new tool, we’re able to evaluate and care for patients at a distance. It’s an office visit without the need to come into the office.
How does it work?
Hamilton patients can call our general number, 810.406.4246, and be connected to a healthcare provider. If the patient’s problem can be treated via a conversation over the phone, the patient won’t need to come into the clinic. This keeps everyone safe and still keeps you connected to your provider when it comes to follow-up or basic healthcare needs.
What kinds of visits can be done over the phone?
Not every medical situation is right for a telemedicine visit. Our providers will decide if your concern can be treated safely and effectively over the phone.
Visits that we can usually treat by the phone include:
- Allergies
- Arthritic Pain
- Medication refills
- Stable chronic disease management
- Bronchitis/Sinusitis
- Mild Colds and Flu/Respiratory Infections
- Vomiting/Diarrhea
Visits that won’t be treated over the phone include:
- Rashes/Skin Lesions
- OB Visits
- Pelvic Pain/Severe Vaginal Bleeding
- Uncontrolled Chronic Medical Conditions
- Severe Respiratory Infections
- Ear Aches/Ear Infections
- Shortness of Breath
- Severe Vomiting/Diarrhea
- STD’s
- All Preventative Visits
- (CPE’s, PAP/Pelvic, Immunizations)
- Abdominal Pain
- Chest Pain
- Musculoskeletal Injuries
Does Insurance cover the visit?
Yes. Insurance companies do cover patient visits via phone, just as they would an in-office visit. Plus, just as with a regular office visit, your medical care confidentiality is upheld.
When should I call?
Hamilton call center is open Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM, along with our clinics. We ask all patients to call before arriving at a clinic. By calling first, our providers can determine if you can be treated over the phone. If you cannot be, we will set up an appointment that is scheduled when you can avoid other patients in the clinic to comply with social distancing. Remember, our medical providers will determine if you can be treated via the phone. We encourage you to continue to stay in touch with your medical provider during this time of uncertainty, don’t go without healthcare. We are here to help.
