As video conferencing technology continues to improve, it has fostered the growth of a new method of delivering healthcare for urgent care patients. This new form of online medical care is called Telemedicine (or Video Visits) and continues to gain adoption by providers and popularity among consumers – especially with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telemedicine enables medical providers to use the internet and video software to provide specific medical services to their patients without the need for in-person appointments. Video Visits supports remote treatments, communication, and diagnostics for specific conditions completely online while allowing healthcare providers the ability to access and communicate important and pertinent patient information quickly, remotely, and securely.
- Interactive medicine: Real-time teleconsultation with a healthcare provider – also known as “live telemedicine”.
- Remote patient monitoring: Virtual monitoring of patient medical readings (blood pressure, blood sugar levels, heart rate, etc.) by a remote healthcare provider.
- Store and Forward (S&F): Healthcare providers can digitally share a person’s health information with other medical experts in the form of X-ray reports, lab reports, MRI scans, etc. Usually done in cases where involvement from specialists becomes necessary.
Many walk-in medical centers are now offering both interactive medicine (or “live telemedicine”) to patients while integrating Store and Forward options to make communicating and managing health care records easier and more convenient.
Telemedicine – Benefits for Patients
- Comfort and Convenience - When you can’t see your doctor (or an in-person visit is not needed), a telemedicine consultation is an easy and convenient option. Telemedicine visits eliminate the time wasted in a waiting room while offering live, “face-to-face” meetings with a real healthcare provider – from anywhere in the world.
- Family Support - When consulting a physician, some patients prefer to have a family member with them who can provide important information the patient might have missed and take notes of important instructions or details.
- Healthcare in Rural Areas - Living in rural areas presents healthcare challenges, such as timely access to medical care. Hospitals and ambulances might be many miles away or extreme weather conditions can make travel almost impossible. In situations where immediate medical advice and consultation is needed, regardless of a patient’s location or the weather, video visits might be the only option to receive medical assistance.
- Safe Option for Contagious Illnesses The COVID-19 pandemic has made telemedicine a necessity worldwide. Patients with a fever, cough or other symptoms can now be advised to stay home (to prevent the spread of illness) while still receiving care remotely from a healthcare provider.
What’s the process of setting up a Telemedicine Visit?
Setting up a telemedicine visit involves 3 basic steps:
- The first step is scheduling your Video Visit appointment. You can schedule a telemedicine visit with Integra Urgent Care online at https://integrauc.video-visits.com/ or by calling us at (972) 861-5200.
- The second step is to keep an eye out for an email or text message to login to the Integra Urgent Care / Chiron Health platform using your favorite device.
- The third step involves logging in to your appointment 15 minutes on the Integra Urgent Care / Chiron Health platform before your scheduled appointment time and come prepared with questions, concerns, and symptoms for your provider.
When you initially schedule your telemedicine appointment with Integra Urgent Care, a team member will contact you to confirm all important details before your appointment. Rest assured we protect the personal information you provide on our online portal and with our staff, and we are here to assist you with any questions or concerns you might have before, during, or after your appointment. Just call (972) 861-5200.
Common Treatments using Telemedicine
- Common Cold, Cough, Fever, or Flu - Most less-severe acute illnesses can be easily diagnosed and treated using telemedicine.
- Sinus Congestion or Infection - For these conditions, you can get a quick prescription for antibiotics to begin the healing process without an in-person appointment.
- Pink Eye - This is another contagious condition that can be effectively diagnosed and treated using telemedicine.
- Rash and Allergies - Dermatological conditions or outbreaks such as allergies, rashes, eczema, and skin blemishes are highly visual; and can be easily diagnosed and treated by doctors through a telemedicine consultation.
Tips for a Successful Telemedicine Appointment
- Be informed about your Insurance Coverage and Copays
Not all insurance companies cover video visits, and some insurance policies cover telemedicine but have complicated policies or copays you might be unaware of. We recommend confirming these details with your insurance provider before scheduling a telemedicine visit. Keep in mind, many walk-in medical centers offer competitive self-pay rates for remote healthcare video visits. - Document Your Symptoms & Take Notes
Make a list of all your symptoms and duration/frequency in advance of your Video Visit so you don’t forget to communicate some important details to your healthcare provider that could help with diagnosis and/or treatment. For symptoms or conditions that are visible, like a rash or wound, you should be prepared to share it with your healthcare provider in real-time video conferencing or through photos. Also, be ready to take notes on the responses, instructions and/or advice you receive during your virtual visit. - Provide Information of Pre-existing Problems
Your past medical history and medication details can be extremely important to your healthcare provider in diagnosing your present condition or illness and developing a treatment plan. Have this information ready to present if asked. - Keep Medical Devices Close
Medical devices commonly used at homes for monitoring your health status (like a thermometer, blood pressure machine, glucometer, etc.) should be kept close at hand for your consultation for easy access and referencing. - Make the Call in a Quiet, Comfortable Place
Eliminate any disturbances during your remote consultation by making sure you are in a comfortable and quiet space. It’s recommended that you use earphones/ headphones to reduce any uncontrollable noise interruptions around you. - Check Your Communication Devices
Make sure your device is ready for an online meeting, such as video/audio quality, connection strength, battery status, lighting in your room or surroundings, etc. This helps with maintaining a smooth conversation and connection with your health provider during your consultation. - Follow Treatment Instructions/Protocols
Make sure you understand and follow the treatment details provided by your telemedicine provider after your visit. Contact your provider if you have any questions or concerns about any prescribed treatments or protocols.
Integra Urgent Care is a leading urgent care provider in Dallas/Fort Worth who operates walk-in medical centers in Las Colinas, Weatherford and Grand Prairie. We offer telemedicine appointments and online check-in for in-person visits. We are in-network with most major insurance plans, and open 7 days a week (Weekdays – 8 AM to 8 PM; Weekends – 9 AM to 5 PM).
For more information or to schedule a telemedicine appointment, visit https://integrauc.video-visits.com/ or call the nearest clinic location:
- Las Colinas (Irving) # 972.861.5200
- Grand Prairie # 469.340.1710
- Weatherford # 817.596.4313