Telemedicine Offers Additional Care Options

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine refers to a patient appointment with a provider using audio-video on a computer screen instead of a traditional in-person visit. The Ko-Kwel Wellness Center offers Telemedicine visits for a variety of medical situations.

Benefit to patients

This technology can help provide patients access to healthcare in rural areas. This can be very beneficial for providers to connect with patients when there is a barrier preventing in-person visits.

Telemedicine vs in-person visit?

The ability to complete a visit via telemedicine will vary depending on the medical situation and is at the discretion of your medical provider. Each medical situation is different and each provider practices medicine differently. Our goal is to provide the best possible healthcare. Certain situations will require an in-person visit. Telemedicine is not intended to replace the need for in-person visits. In-person should always be the first option as they are the best way to evaluate health concerns thoroughly.

Requirements

A stable internet connection that is on a secure network. A computer, tablet, or smartphone with audio/video capabilities. Settings must be enabled to allow access to the devices microphone and speaker. The patient is responsible for conducting the appointment in a private space and should use a network that does not allow public access.

Privacy

Telemedicine visits are conducted by Zoom Video Conferencing. A Zoom link is sent by text or email to a patient via Epic, which is our Electronic Health Record (EHR). Healthcare providers strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations to protect patient health information (PHI) transmitted electronically during virtual visits. What you share during your video visit stays between you and your provider, just like an in-person visit. Please ensure that you are on a secure and stable network to protect your privacy. This option is available at both Coos Bay and Eugene locations.

Will my insurance cover telemedicine?

Many insurance plans cover telemedicine visits. Please contact your health insurance company directly regarding your specific insurance plan to find out about possible out of pocket costs.

Please contact your KWC Medical Clinic for further information regarding telemedicine appointment options.