Gregg M. Yamada, MD FACC
- Nov 29, 2020
- 2 min read

Telehealth: How to Use It. Why to Use It. (*Updated November 2020)

Congratulations!

It is excellent that my (all) patients have been able to take advantage of Telehealth! Not all visits should be online and it is better to be seen in person. However, at this time, it is the best option for routine visits given the COVID-19 pandemic.

Equally impressive is how expertly everyone has been able to use Facetime, Zoom, Google Duo, HMSA online (even folks well into their 80s!).

Why didn't we do this before?

Telehealth visits were not allowed by Medicare or even private insurance prior to COVID-19 pandemic.

Telemedicine/Telehealth = using VIDEO and AUDIO (HMSA online care website, FaceTime, GoogleDuo, Zoom, WebEx) to communicate with their doctor.
The US government and the CDC, all hospitals, all healthcare systems, all insurance carriers, for the first time, are recommending online doctor visits.
You must have BOTH VIDEO and AUDIO.
Surpringly (!) Medicare and Private Insurance DOES NOT ALLOW a simple phone call.
If you do not know how to use a computer, navigate a website, use an iphone to FaceTime, be sure to ask your family or friends to assist you.
Not all of your visits will be online, nor should they, but all of my patients must have this as an option.
I suggest you purchase a simple Omron BP cuff. An apple watch or even Kardia are useful. Bp cuff ideas, click here. Heart monitors, click here. (Do not purchase a cardiac monitor without discussing with me, as it may not be needed)