When choosing a telehealth provider, affordability and insurance compatibility are crucial factors. While telehealth offers convenience and flexibility, its true value lies in its accessibility—ensuring that quality healthcare is available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or insurance coverage. Let’s explore why affordability and insurance compatibility matter and how My Virtual Physician leads the way in making telehealth accessible to all.
One of the biggest concerns for patients is unexpected costs. Hidden fees and unclear pricing structures can make healthcare financially stressful. A reputable telehealth provider should offer transparent, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
At My Virtual Physician, we prioritize transparency. Our pricing is clear and straightforward, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Before your consultation, you’ll know the exact cost, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare. This transparency helps you budget for your medical needs without any unpleasant surprises.
Affordability doesn’t just mean transparent pricing—it also means reasonable consultation fees. High consultation costs can be a barrier for many patients, particularly those without insurance or with high-deductible plans.
My Virtual Physician offers competitive consultation fees that are often more affordable than traditional in-person visits. By leveraging telehealth technology, we reduce overhead costs and pass those savings on to you. Our goal is to provide high-quality care at a price that fits your budget, making healthcare accessible to more people.
Navigating insurance coverage can be complicated, especially for telehealth services. A quality telehealth provider should accept a wide range of insurance plans and provide clear information on what’s covered.
My Virtual Physician works with many major insurance providers to ensure that our services are covered for as many patients as possible. We also assist you in understanding your insurance benefits, so you know exactly what’s covered and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. If you’re unsure about your coverage, our support team is available to help you verify your benefits and answer any questions.
Not everyone has insurance, and for those who are uninsured or underinsured, accessing healthcare can be challenging. An affordable telehealth provider should offer options for self-pay patients and discounted services to ensure that everyone has access to care.
At My Virtual Physician, we believe that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. We offer affordable self-pay options for those without insurance, ensuring that everyone can access the care they need. Our flexible payment plans and discounted rates for uninsured patients make it easier to prioritize your health, regardless of your financial situation.
Healthcare costs can be significant, and flexible payment options can ease the financial burden. A telehealth provider that offers payment plans or accepts Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) adds tremendous value.
My Virtual Physician accepts HSAs and FSAs, allowing you to use pre-tax dollars to cover your healthcare expenses. We also offer flexible payment options to accommodate different financial situations. Our goal is to make high-quality healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone.
Telehealth inherently offers cost savings compared to traditional in-person care. There are no travel expenses, reduced time off work, and often lower consultation fees. However, not all telehealth providers pass these savings on to patients.
My Virtual Physician is committed to providing cost-effective care. By eliminating the need for travel and reducing overhead costs, we offer services that are often significantly more affordable than traditional doctor visits. These savings make healthcare more accessible, especially for those in rural areas or with limited mobility.
Affordability isn’t just about low prices—it’s about value for money. A quality telehealth provider should offer comprehensive, high-quality care that justifies the cost. This includes thorough consultations, follow-up care, and access to specialists.
At My Virtual Physician, we provide exceptional value. Our comprehensive consultations ensure that you receive thorough, personalized care. We offer follow-up appointments, access to specialists, and a range of services that go beyond basic care. When you choose My Virtual Physician, you’re investing in high-quality, affordable healthcare that prioritizes your well-being.
Affordability and insurance compatibility are at the heart of our mission at My Virtual Physician. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their financial situation or insurance status. With transparent pricing, competitive fees, flexible payment options, and comprehensive insurance coverage, we make telehealth accessible to all.
Don’t let financial concerns stand in the way of your health. Schedule an appointment with My Virtual Physician today and experience affordable, high-quality care from the comfort of your home. Your health is worth it—and we’re here to make sure it’s within reach.
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The holidays are just around the corner, and while the season brings festivities and joy, it can also take a toll on your health. Residents of Henderson can prioritize their wellness by scheduling an online doctor visit with My Virtual Physician. This convenient healthcare solution ensures you stay healthy and stress-free during the busiest time of the year.
Winter often brings an increase in cold, flu, and other seasonal illnesses. With an online doctor visit, you can quickly address early symptoms, receive effective treatment, and even discuss preventative measures like flu shots—all without leaving your home.
Holiday feasts are a highlight of the season, but they can pose challenges for those managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. An online doctor visit allows you to consult with a physician about dietary strategies and medication adjustments, ensuring you can savor your holiday meals without compromising your health.
Whether you're traveling to visit family or enjoying a vacation, having access to medical care can provide peace of mind. My Virtual Physician ensures you’re covered wherever you are with a quick and easy online doctor visit, offering medical advice and treatment from the comfort of your location.
Preparing for the holidays can leave you feeling drained. If you’re experiencing fatigue or suspect an underlying issue, an online doctor visit can help. Discuss your symptoms with a physician to identify possible vitamin deficiencies, chronic fatigue, or other concerns, and receive personalized recommendations to boost your energy.
The holidays are packed with shopping, decorating, and gatherings, leaving little time for clinic visits. An online doctor visit saves you time by eliminating the need for travel, allowing Henderson residents to access high-quality care without disrupting their schedules.
This holiday season, prioritize your health by scheduling an online doctor visit with My Virtual Physician. With convenient access to preventative care, expert advice, and treatment, you can enjoy the festivities in Henderson with peace of mind.
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In today’s fast-paced world, busy professionals often find it challenging to schedule and attend medical appointments. This is where telehealth comes in, offering a convenient and efficient solution for managing healthcare needs without disrupting your work schedule.
Telehealth allows you to connect with healthcare providers from the comfort of your home or office. No more taking time off work or commuting to appointments. You can schedule consultations at times that fit your busy lifestyle.
Telehealth appointments eliminate the need for travel, reducing the time you spend on healthcare. This means you can address health concerns quickly and get back to your daily routine with minimal interruption.
For busy professionals, maintaining consistent healthcare can be difficult. Telehealth makes it easier to have regular check-ups, manage chronic conditions, and follow up on treatments, ensuring better continuity of care.
Telehealth can also be more cost-effective. It reduces the need for urgent care or emergency room visits by providing timely access to healthcare professionals who can address issues before they escalate.
By minimizing the time and effort required to manage your health, telehealth contributes to a better work-life balance. You can focus on your career and personal life, knowing that your health is well taken care of.
Telehealth platforms are designed with robust security measures to protect your privacy and ensure that your health information is safe. You can discuss your health concerns with confidence, knowing that your information is secure.
For busy professionals, telehealth offers a practical, efficient, and secure way to manage healthcare needs. Embrace the future of healthcare with My Virtual Physician and experience the benefits of telehealth today.
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Managing chronic conditions can be a challenging and time-consuming process, both for patients and healthcare providers. At My Virtual Physician, we understand the complexities involved and are committed to offering comprehensive Chronic Care Management (CCM) services to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Chronic Care Management involves coordinating a patient's care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and arthritis. It includes regular check-ins, medication management, lifestyle counseling, and coordinating with other healthcare providers.
Managing chronic conditions doesn't have to be overwhelming. With My Virtual Physician, you have a dedicated partner in your journey to better health. Contact us today to learn more about our Chronic Care Management services.
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Colon cancer screening is a vital preventative measure that can save lives. At My Virtual Physician, we are committed to making this process as easy and accessible as possible for our patients. Here's how we can help you stay proactive about your colon health.
Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Early detection through regular screening can significantly increase survival rates by identifying precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer when it's most treatable.
Early detection can make all the difference in colon cancer outcomes. Take control of your health today with My Virtual Physician's colon cancer screening services. Contact us to schedule your virtual consultation.
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If you recently used Optum's telehealth service, you might be wondering what to do now that it's shutting down. The telehealth market is evolving rapidly, and the closure of Optum’s virtual care services might leave you feeling uncertain about your next steps.
At My Virtual Physician (MVP), we understand your concerns and are here to offer you a seamless transition to our comprehensive telehealth services.
Optum, like many telehealth providers, saw a surge in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as the telehealth market became overcrowded with numerous providers, Optum struggled to distinguish its services from competitors. This saturation, coupled with a broader industry trend towards integrated and hybrid care models, led to Optum's decision to close its virtual care services. The shift reflects a strategic move towards sustainable, hybrid healthcare delivery that combines both virtual and in-person care.
As an Optum telehealth patient, you might be concerned about losing access to convenient, remote healthcare. The good news is that you don't have to. My Virtual Physician offers a robust alternative that not only fills the gap left by Optum but also enhances your telehealth experience with comprehensive, patient-centered care.
My Virtual Physician provides telehealth services nationwide, ensuring that no matter where you are, you have access to top-notch healthcare. Our national reach means you can continue to receive quality care, regardless of location changes or travel.
Unlike some telehealth services that focus solely on urgent care, MVP offers a wide range of services across three key disciplines:
This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that all your healthcare needs are met in one place, providing continuity and convenience.
Understanding that some medical situations require face-to-face interaction, MVP also offers in-person visits. This hybrid model allows you to receive comprehensive care when and where you need it most, combining the convenience of telehealth with the assurance of in-person consultations.
At MVP, we prioritize personalized care. Our experienced healthcare providers take the time to understand your unique health concerns and tailor treatments to fit your lifestyle and needs. With us, you're not just another patient; you're a valued individual receiving compassionate, high-quality care.
Transitioning from Optum to My Virtual Physician is simple and hassle-free. Our user-friendly platform makes it easy to schedule appointments, access medical records, and communicate with your healthcare providers. We aim to provide a seamless experience, ensuring that your healthcare needs are continuously met without interruption.
Don't let the closure of Optum's telehealth services disrupt your healthcare journey. My Virtual Physician is here to support you with a comprehensive, convenient, and patient-focused telehealth experience. Join the growing number of patients nationwide who trust MVP for their healthcare needs.
Explore our website today to learn more about our services and schedule your first appointment. Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we look forward to providing you with exceptional care.
Switching to My Virtual Physician is a step towards ensuring continuous, high-quality healthcare. We are here to make this transition smooth and beneficial for you, offering the comprehensive care and convenience you deserve.
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In recent years, the telehealth landscape has experienced a seismic shift with the emergence of numerous niche telehealth companies. These startups focus on providing specialized services, often excelling in one or two specific areas of healthcare delivery. However, amidst this proliferation of specialized platforms, one company stands out for its comprehensive approach to virtual care: My Virtual Physician (MVP).
The Rise of Niche Telehealth Companies
The allure of niche telehealth companies lies in their ability to cater to specific needs with laser-like precision. Whether it's mental health counseling, dermatology consultations, or chronic disease management, these platforms offer targeted solutions that appeal to both patients and investors alike.
One of the key advantages of niche telehealth companies is their agility and focus. By concentrating on a narrow set of services, they can streamline their operations, develop specialized expertise, and deliver tailored experiences to their users. This specialization often translates into quicker response times, higher quality care, and greater patient satisfaction.
Furthermore, the rise of niche telehealth companies has democratized access to specialized care. Patients no longer need to navigate complex healthcare systems or endure long wait times to consult with a specialist. Instead, they can conveniently access expert advice and treatment from the comfort of their own homes, often at a lower cost than traditional in-person visits.
Enter My Virtual Physician: A Total Care Model
Amidst the proliferation of niche telehealth companies, My Virtual Physician (MVP) has emerged as a beacon of comprehensive care. Unlike its single-focus counterparts, MVP offers a holistic approach to virtual healthcare, encompassing a wide range of medical specialties and services under one roof.
At MVP, patients have access to a diverse team of healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, specialists, mental health counselors, and more. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that patients receive coordinated, integrated care that addresses their unique needs across the healthcare continuum.
One of the most powerful differentiators of MVP is its Total Care Model. While niche telehealth companies may excel in their respective areas of specialization, they often fall short when it comes to addressing the broader spectrum of a patient's healthcare needs. In contrast, MVP takes a proactive, preventative approach to healthcare, offering comprehensive services that encompass everything from routine check-ups to chronic disease management to mental wellness support.
Moreover, MVP leverages cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, to personalize care plans and improve patient outcomes. By harnessing the power of technology, MVP empowers patients to take control of their health and make informed decisions about their care.
The Future of Telehealth: Integration vs. Fragmentation
As telehealth continues to evolve, the debate between specialization and comprehensive care is likely to intensify. While niche telehealth companies have carved out a valuable niche in the market, the demand for integrated, total care solutions like MVP is also on the rise.
Ultimately, the success of telehealth platforms will hinge on their ability to strike the right balance between specialization and integration. While niche companies only excel in certain areas, it's the comprehensive, patient-centered approach of companies like MVP that has the potential to transform the future of healthcare delivery in multiple areas.
In conclusion, the rise of niche telehealth companies has transformed the way we access and receive healthcare. However, these companies are limited in what they can do for a person’s overall health and well-being. My Virtual Physician stands out for its Total Care Model, offering patients a comprehensive, integrated approach to virtual healthcare that addresses their diverse needs. As the telehealth landscape continues to evolve, companies like MVP will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of all-encompassing healthcare delivery.
Chances are you've probably seen advertisements for drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss. In fact, you probably even know someone who is taking one of them. So you may be wondering: what are they? Are they safe? And, perhaps more importantly, do they actually even work? Well, let’s get into it!
All these medications belong to a class of drugs called “GLP-1 receptor agonists” because they stimulate the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor in the pancreas, which is a crucially important organ for regulating an individual’s blood sugar levels. Somewhat amusingly, these GLP-1 agonists were originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, since they stimulate an increase in insulin secretion (a hormone that lowers blood sugar) and a decrease in glucagon secretion (a hormone that counteracts insulin and raises blood sugar). However --and very serendipitously for the pharmaceutical companies-- it was subsequently discovered that one of the side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists was weight loss! The pharmaceutical companies accidentally hit upon the proverbial jackpot.
Perhaps surprisingly, this type of accidental discovery happens all the time in pharmacology. A drug initially being developed for one purpose is found to have a “side effect” that may actually be more desirable than the original effect for which it was being developed. For example, sildenafil and minoxidil (better known by their brand names Viagra and Rogaine, respectively) both began their now-vaunted lives as failed blood pressure medications. So, too, with GLP-1 agonists.
While diabetes affects roughly 12% of the American population (certainly nothing to snub one’s nose at from a market opportunity perspective), the combined number of people who are either overweight or obese represent approximately 70+% of the American population -- and that is an almost irresistible siren call to the pharmaceutical companies to quickly repurpose those drugs as treatments for weight loss before the 20-year life of their patents expire!
In fact, the two brand name medications mentioned in the opening of this blog (Ozempic and Wegovy) are actually molecularly the exact same drug: semaglutide. It merely started being marketed to the general public as “Wegovy” once it received FDA approval to be sold as a weight loss drug versus an antidiabetic drug. Now, we must be clear: there is nothing necessarily wrong or untoward about marketing the same drug under a different brand name for treating different ailments (just check the variants of Excedrin!). One could even make the argument that it may be useful to help reduce potential confusion amongst consumers. Nevertheless, it is also useful for the informed consumer to know when the exact same thing is being marketed to them very differently under two different brand names intended to suggest the understanding that they are completely different products.
So, why even bring this up? The reason why it is important to understand this background information is because there are actually three prominent GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs currently on the market, and they all behave roughly in a similar manner: similar mechanism of action, similar effects, similar benefits, and similar undesirable side effects. These three drugs are liraglutide (name brands Victoza and Saxenda), semaglutide (name brands Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy), and tirzepatide (name brands Mounjaro and Zepbound). So far, only liraglutide and semaglutide have been approved by the FDA for weight loss, but tirzepatide’s FDA approval is likely only a matter of time. What’s notable at the present time is that liraglutide’s patent is set to expire in June of 2024, meaning that we can likely expect a much less expensive generic version to hit the market shortly thereafter.
Consequently, to be an informed consumer, it is worth considering how these three drugs stack up against each other to know which is the best optimization of costs to benefits. And, if one of them is about to considerably drop in price this year, how should that affect our decision matrix? So let’s compare these three GLP-1 receptor agonists!
As medical and technical advances improve patient care, a new concept is helping the millions of Americans affected by chronic and non-healing wounds. The idea is called Wound Center Without Walls (WCWW). It means providing wound care services outside the physical walls of a wound clinic.
An article published in 2020 in the Wounds journal introduced the idea of providing wound care services outside the traditional brick-and-mortar wound care center.
WCWW untethers wound care from a physical location. Rather, it uses technology and community-centered care to aggressively triage and provide care to patients with wounds.
This new model of providing care was developed in response to the disruptions in healthcare caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many patients could not get to their on-site wound clinic appointments due to closures, lock-downs, and fears about leaving home. One study suggested that outpatient wound clinic volume dropped 40% during spring 2020.
In fact, the U.S. experienced rapid telehealth adoption, with an 11,718% increase in telemedicine services among Medicare beneficiaries that year.
Following the pandemic, healthcare providers and patients have realized the value of virtual wound care services. These programs improve access to care and also address the needs of underserved or rural areas where wound specialists may not be available.
Wound care without walls aims to assess and treat patients where they live. This home-based monitoring and treatment strategy may lower risks and improve outcomes.
Telehealth has become an important tool in the management of chronic wounds. Today we have digital tools that are secure, efficient, and easy to use. Mobile apps let patients use their smartphones or tablets to take measurements and send wound images directly to their electronic medical records (EMRs).
Digital imaging tools also give providers more accurate measurements and assessments in many cases. Furthermore, using these tools to optimize wound treatment plans keeps patients and providers engaged.
In cases where a telemedicine consultation is needed, telemedicine providers can meet with patients virtually via video conference. What’s more, with real-time communication, nurses and doctors can even show and tell patients and families:
Telemedicine services are also giving patients treatment reminders and support along the way.
Patients need WCWW because the prevalence of chronic wounds and their healthcare costs are rising. A 2018 study of Medicare beneficiaries found about 8.2 million individuals with wounds.
A large recent study showed that nearly 15% of Medicare beneficiaries presented with a chronic wound or wound infection over a year. Furthermore, Medicare expenditures related to wound care are far greater than previously recognized, with care occurring largely in outpatient settings.
Wounds may result from diabetes, circulatory problems, or pressure injury. Open wounds increase a patient’s risk of infection and need emergency room visits or hospitalization. Specialized wound care treatment is essential to healing wounds quickly with less expense and pain and suffering to the patient.
In short, healthcare providers and patients will surely see an increase in wound care without walls programs. Patients and providers are becoming more comfortable connecting through digital tools, and payers support care that improves outcomes and lowers costs.
Talk with one of our expert doctors if you want to learn more about virtual services or wound care without walls. My Virtual Physician offers video consultations for diabetic, surgical, and other wounds.
Contact us now to find out how you can book your free or low-cost appointment for wound treatment.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The information, graphics, and images on this site are not intended to substitute diagnosis or treatment by a medical professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed physician for any questions you may have regarding a specific condition.
"An Economic Evaluation of the Impact, Cost, and Medicare Policy Implications of Chronic Nonhealing Wounds". pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed July 2, 2022.
"Human Wounds and Its Burden". ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed July 2, 2022.
"Medicare Members Using Telehealth Grew 120 times". healthcaredive.com. Accessed July 2, 2022.
"Outpatient Wound Clinics During COVID-19". ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed July 2, 2022.
"Telehealth in Wound Care - Evidence and Best Practices". woundreference.com. Accessed July 2, 2022.
"Wound Center Without Walls". ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed July 2, 2022.
Sarah Falcone, BSN, RN, WCN-C, CSWD-C, is a certified wound care nurse, nursing consultant, and health content writer in Fort Worth, TX. She works with clients in home health, wound care, and telemedicine. Sarah is a passionate advocate for moving advanced levels of care to the home, where her clients can safely receive the medical treatments they need with greater satisfaction and comfort. She focuses on patient experience, outcomes, and advancing clinical models using innovative technology to serve patients better. Sarah draws from 15 years of practicing patient care and nursing leadership to share her own nursing experiences and expertise online. Connect with her on LinkedIn!
Telemedicine provides a convenient way to get the care you need without traveling to the doctor or specialist you need. Virtual care, or Telehealth, has been around for a while, but recent changes in healthcare have caused telemedicine services to surge.
In the past, telemedicine visits were used primarily as urgent care encounters. If you had symptoms of a cold, you could chat with a Tel-a-doc and maybe get antibiotics.
Today, telemedicine services have expanded. And patients can see their telemedicine doctor for gynecologic, primary, and even wound care. In this post, we will look at how telemedicine has become a solution for patients with chronic or non-healing wounds by answering these questions.
Read on to learn more about telemedicine as a wound care solution.
Telemedicine is a healthcare delivery model that involves virtual consultations between patients and physicians, using online tools such as video conferencing, virtual examination rooms, and remote medical devices.
In many situations, telemedicine is ideal for individuals with wounds.
Those injured or struggling with chronic wounds may not feel like leaving home. Or they may be physically unable to leave home without assistance.
Often their caregivers work and cannot take time from work for frequent doctor appointments. Also, depending on where an individual lives, there may not be a wound specialist in the area. If there is a local certified wound care expert, they may have limited availability.
So, wound care appointments may be difficult to get.
Telemedicine providers with specialized training and certification in wound care can save patients and their families frequent trips to their doctor or wound clinic. Telemedicine for wound care is efficient. Doctors can conduct virtual visits, see the wounds, and make treatment recommendations through video.
Telemedicine also lets patients have virtual follow-up conversations with their doctors and send images when the wounds change.
Telemedicine decreases costs by reducing the need to travel long distances to the hospital or to consult with a physician. It improves the quality of life for patients with chronic wounds while maintaining high standards of wound care.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, federal and state programs (Medicare and Medicaid) and private insurers have expanded coverage for telemedicine services, including wound care.
That is good news for patients with wounds who need to see a specialist. In many cases, your health insurance will cover the cost of your virtual visit and wound care supplies that your provider orders.
Your insurance may cover a virtual doctor visit for treatment if you have:
You can check with your insurance company to find out what they will cover or talk with a telemedicine provider and have them verify your insurance coverage before making an appointment.
Wound care specialists provide a variety of services through telemedicine. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Telehealth services are especially helpful for monitoring and improving ongoing health issues, like chronic wounds.
A telemedicine wound care specialist can evaluate and treat wounds virtually by:
These services help patients get the right treatment to heal the wound quickly and return to normal lives.
Telemedicine specialists also coordinate your care with your other doctors or home health.
There are many advantages of using telemedicine wound care services, including:
It’s easy to see why telemedicine wound care services are growing.
While there are numerous benefits of telemedicine for patients, primary among them is the ease of convenience and the ability to access quality care fast. Wound care services provided through telemedicine are a great example of a wound care solution that is helping many individuals get the care they need.
If you have a skin wound that needs medical attention, talk with the My Virtual Physician team to find out if their telemedicine wound care services are right for you.
Contact us now for your low-cost appointment that your insurance may cover!
The advent of telemedicine, or better still, telehealth was not aimed at replacing in-person health care. Instead, it serves as a supplementary means of providing healthcare, especially to nonemergent cases.
However, this does not rule out the use of telemedicine in emergency cases. Your virtual physician could help link you with a facility nearby while giving directives on what could be done to alleviate some symptoms or buy time.
Generally, health emergencies are health problems that require immediate medical in-person attention. In pregnant women, they are referred to as obstetric emergencies.
Obstetric emergencies are health problems arising at any time during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth that threaten the life of a pregnant mother and that of her baby or babies. In most cases, these health problems require specialist care, hospital admission, and extended stay.
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Obstetric emergencies may occur during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. The following are obstetric emergencies that arise during pregnancy:
This is the loss of a baby before the 20th week of pregnancy. It usually manifests with bleeding, abdominal cramping, and pain. If a miscarriage occurs, the mother may need to be treated to prevent infection or to remove retained tissue in the uterus.
This is a serious condition where the fertilized egg implants anywhere other than the uterus or womb. The most common site of ectopic pregnancy is in one of the fallopian tubes leading to the damage and loss of the tube. A woman with an ectopic pregnancy will experience bleeding accompanied by severe abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling faint, and shoulder pain. Ectopic pregnancy reduces a woman's chances of getting pregnant in the future due to damage and loss of a fallopian tube.
This condition occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus before birth. Manifestations include bleeding, pain, and contractions. There is a higher risk of infection as blood could be trapped behind the placenta and in the uterus. Bleeding could also result in weakness, anemia, shock in the mother, and the death of the baby.
This is when the placenta attaches to the lower segment of the uterus and partly or completely lies over the internal of the cervix, also called the neck of the uterus. This results in vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
Pre-eclampsia, also known as pregnancy-induced high blood pressure is an obstetric emergency. Pregnancies in women with preeclampsia are regarded as high-risk pregnancies. Symptoms include high blood pressure, edema (severe swelling) from water retention, and protein in the mother's urine. It can cause kidney and liver failure in the mother and cause preterm labor. It also affects the growth and development of the child and causes premature birth and stillbirth. If it progresses to eclampsia (convulsions), it can be life-threatening for the mother and her baby.
This is when a woman's water breaks before contractions or labor begins. This is an emergency if the waters break before 37 weeks of pregnancy and lead to a major leak of amniotic fluid or infection of the amniotic sac.
These conditions cannot be managed at home or virtually. They mostly require hands-on treatment by specialists or a team of healthcare professionals.
Generally, medical history will be collected and pelvic and general physical examinations carried out. Series of tests may also be carried out including blood and urine tests, blood pressure monitoring, and abdominal ultrasound, amongst others. Your baby's heartbeat will also be checked and monitored.
Depending on your condition, you may require one or more of the following:
As a supplementary health care service, our team at My Virtual Physician is available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. We also help with electronically sending orders for tests and examinations while you wait for an appointment with a local OB doctor.
We are in network with many insurance health plans including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare and Blue Cross.
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Telemedicine surged this past year. Analysts say virtual healthcare will top 1 billion visits this year. But is it right for everyone? Parents may wonder if an online pediatrician is a good choice.
Telemedicine (TM) is a great resource for most people, even parents. Online doctors treat many pediatric health concerns through video visits. Yet, some cases require an in-person physical exam. When in doubt, the doctor, or their team, can help parents decide what is best for each situation.
Those who are curious about online pediatrician appointments should read on. Here we share why you should book an online pediatrician visit.
Online pediatrician visits can be a good choice. For instance, a recent pediatric study found that TM lowers lowers healthcare costs raising patient satisfaction. Easy access to doctors from the safety and comfort of home is invaluable. TM is an innovative solution to one of parenting's great challenges: a sick child.
Before booking an online pediatrician appointment, follow these steps.
Ask your doctor if TM is a good idea when you have a problem. In some cases, a doctor may want to see your child in person. In-office exams allow doctors to use instruments. Some tests cannot be conducted through a video screen.
Your doctor may also have a list online showing which concerns they can treat through online appointments.
To book an online pediatrician visit, you must have the equipment and connection to meet with the doctor. In other words, if you are booking a visit with a tablet or cellphone, make sure you have a strong signal and full bars. At home, log in to WiFi to get the best video quality.
Also, check with your doctor to find out what platform they use. Some have a mobile app. Others may want you to download the software before the visit.
It is good to arrive for your TM visit 10-15 minutes early. Log in ahead of time, so you don't feel rushed and can figure it out. You'll also have time to troubleshoot technical issues before the doctor arrives.
When deciding if you should book an online appointment, the last thing to think about is which provider to use. Each office has cost, appointment times, and patient reviews that vary.
A recent article by CNBC warned that TM is in high demand. Some will have longer wait times. Check your doctor's availability ahead of time. A little online research can go a long way to helping parents find the right online doctor.
Pediatricians can treat many common problems with a video consultation. Some concerns that are easily evaluated in a virtual visit are:
If you are unsure, check with your doctor. They can let you know the best choice for you.
In some cases doctors may need more tests. When a pediatrician needs more tools to treat a sick child, they may refer parents to an in-person visit or urgent care.
Some doctors' offices, like My Virtual Physician, work with local partners. They can arrange lab tests by sending an order to a laboratory. Later, they can review the results with the patient over video.
Telemedicine providers can arrange X-rays or other diagnostic tests this way too.
In some cases, online doctors prescribe medication. Online pediatricians can fax refills to local pharmacies. During the TM visit, online pediatricians will explain the treatment plan and any instructions to parents, just like in-person appointments.
Not all problems are best solved by an online appointment. Here are a few reasons to check with your doctor before booking an online pediatric appointment.
When a child needs in-person medical attention, but you can't book an appointment with a pediatrician, an urgent care center or emergency room may be the best option.
Dr. Ayyagari is a board-certified pediatrician of 20 years. She is licensed in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, and Florida and is accepting new patients. Click "BOOK APPOINTMENT NOW" to book an appointment. Or let us know if you have questions about your child. We are standing by to help.
MedPage Today published an article stating the following:
1. Medicare is still seeing a high and leveling use of telehealth among medicare beneficiaries.
2. Although Medicare is going down the direction of permanently increasing access to Telemedicine, private payors are actually going in the opposite direction.
3. Confirms that people who adopted telemedicine during the shutdown, and liked it, are likely to make it a permanent part of the way they see their doctors moving forward.
To read the rest of the article, click here.