Telehealth 101: how virtual visits work here

Telehealth is a secure video visit with your provider that you join from a phone, tablet, or computer. It is designed for adults who want the convenience of seeing their care team from home for follow ups, medication checks, and other visits that don't require a hands on exam. Our providers offer telehealth alongside in person care at our Hudson and Trinity offices, and video visits are available anywhere in Florida.

When telehealth makes sense

Many visits work well by video, including:

• Follow up visits for ongoing conditions
• Medication checks and refill discussions
• Reviewing lab or test results
• Evaluation of many minor illnesses
• Questions about a care plan or next steps

If your provider decides a hands on exam, a test, or a procedure is needed, we will let you know and schedule you at the office. Telehealth works best as one part of your care, with in person visits when they add value. Patients managing chronic conditions often find that video visits make regular check ins easier to keep.

Getting set up

Telehealth visits run through the Healow app, which connects directly to your patient portal login. Once you are set up, you can also use the portal to message your care team, view results, and manage refills.

If you have not set up your patient portal yet, our staff can walk you through it over the phone. It usually takes just a few minutes. Setting it up a day or two before your first video visit gives you time to get comfortable with it.

What you'll need

The equipment list is short:

• A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone
• A steady internet connection
• A quiet, private space with good lighting
• Your medication list and any home readings, such as blood pressure or blood sugar

A family member or caregiver is welcome to join you on the call to help with the technology or take notes.

During the visit

Your provider sees the same chart they would use in the office: your history, medications, and prior notes. That means the conversation picks up where your last visit left off. Your provider may ask you to show a rash, a swollen ankle, or a home reading on camera. At the end of the visit, you will talk through next steps, which may include labs, a prescription, or a follow up appointment.

Anywhere in Florida

Because telehealth isn't tied to a specific office, established patients can connect from anywhere in Florida. This is especially helpful for snowbirds, patients who split time between homes, and anyone whose schedule makes travel hard. It is also helpful for patients with Medicare who receive Chronic Care Management and want an easy way to stay in touch between visits.

When to come in instead

Some concerns are better handled in person. These include new or worsening pain, wounds that need to be examined, and anything that calls for an EKG, blood draw, or procedure. Our team will help you choose the right type of visit when you call. You can learn more about in office primary care visits and what they include.

Call 911 for emergencies such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of a stroke like sudden weakness, facial drooping, or trouble speaking. Telehealth is not for emergency care.

Tips for a smooth video visit

• Charge your device and close other apps before the visit
• Log in a few minutes early to test your camera and sound
• Keep your questions written down and close at hand
• Have your pharmacy name and phone number ready

Book a telehealth visit

When you request an appointment, choose Telehealth as your preferred location. You can also call our Hudson office at (727) 605-3000 or our Trinity office at (727) 997-1635, and our team will help you get set up.

This article is general health information from the Internal Medicine MD care team and is not a substitute for advice from your own provider.