The circumstances around COVID-19 have piqued my interest around virtual care for myself and my family. How can I be confident we are getting the same quality experience as an in-person visit?
Most people wonder, “How can a virtual physician see that rash or look at my eardrum or check my pulse?” The reality is that technology is evolving so rapidly that the divide between the in-person and remote
physical exam is narrowing every day. Some things are simple: upload a photo of your rash or sore throat. Others require an add-on: we can look in the ear with the help of a digital otoscope or measure vitals with a fingertip oxygen/pulse “pulseox” device, both of which can be easily purchased online (starting at around $50 or $20, respectively).
Your visit via virtual care will be different from an in-person visit (more convenient, for one thing!), but the quality should not be diminished. For starters, care through 98point6 is delivered by qualified physicians. What does that mean, exactly? At 98point6, for example, we set a high bar, requiring all physicians to complete a residency and pass the board-certification exams in the speciality in which they’ve trained (hence the term, “board-certified” physicians). Additionally, all of our core physicians have passed a series of interviews focused on the core values of our company, which include Uncompromising Integrity and Passion for Everyone We Serve. These processes have helped build an incredible team of highly-qualified physicians who are leading the charge for the next generation of virtual care.
Yes, there are times when the need for direct, in-person care is a necessity. But the immediate benefit of a 98point6 physician is they are available at the exact moment you need them—any time day or night, from anywhere in the country via text-based messaging. And our care extends beyond a single visit: part of our job is determining when the care you require is beyond the scope of what we can provide. Think of us as the
hub of a wheel, the central place where you come for care. And when needed, the spokes (surgeons, emergency physicians, pediatricians, specialists) will be your next step. We’re here for you right now, but we’re also here to guide you in the right direction so you can move forward with confidence.
In-depth analysis of blood and urine samples (“labs”) offer a critical window into your health and well-being, allowing doctors to make the most informed decisions about care. Ideally, your telehealth provider will have the ability to order labs from any facility in the nation and
will be able to follow up with you and provide copies of the results. While not all telehealth services currently offer this, 98point6 physicians can order tests to check everything from annual cholesterol and blood sugar levels to more frequent monitoring of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
98point6 physicians can order tests to check everything from annual cholesterol and blood sugar levels to more frequent monitoring of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Even before COVID-19 became a household name, its impact on cold and flu season (and vice versa) has been a topic of conversation and concern. As we head into fall, here’s what we know about all three conditions and how they should be considered during this unprecedented year.
Keep doubling down on the same rules from cold and flu seasons past and pandemic present.
DON’T leave home if you’re feeling sick
DO practice good hand hygiene
DON’T touch your eyes, nose and mouth
DO wear a mask in public settings
DON’T attend gatherings in crowded indoor spaces, especially events characterized by singing or shouting
DON’T be afraid to speak up or leave an area or social situation if you aren’t comfortable
DO have a good understanding of your personal risk and your family risk
“This is not the year you want to get the flu,” says 98point6 physician David McCune, MD, MPH. “We may not know a lot yet about timing and effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine, but based on years of usage and research, we know that the more people get inoculated against influenza, the better off everyone will be.”
Coronaviruses in general are a family of viruses that are responsible for about 15–20% of colds.
That means the initial symptoms of a COLD and COVID-19—cough, sinus congestion and drainage—can be very similar.
Flu tends to begin more abruptly, with high fever and muscle/joint pain. However, these symptoms can also be associated with COVID-19.
Total loss of the sense of smell, shortness of breath and gastrointestinal issues are more common—but certainly not the only—symptoms related to COVID-19.
“In any season, prompt evaluation of flu symptoms is recommended, as flu antivirals are most effective when started within 48 hours of getting sick,” says Dr. McCune. “And because the initial symptoms of COVID-19 bear a lot of similarity to those of a common cold and influenza, it may not be a straightforward diagnosis.”
“The safest thing to do is stay home until you have recovered and seek virtual care. If necessary, your physician may order diagnostic testing either at a lab, a drive-through site or sent to your home. A number of companies have developed home diagnostic kits for influenza and COVID-19, and these may be a key tool this season in timely evaluation and treatment.”
Source:https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/treatment.htm
A recent study found that 56% of respondents delayed healthcare visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In terms of this year’s cold and flu season, however, getting timely diagnosis and treatment is key to stopping the spread, protecting those around you and just attaining peace of mind.
Virtual care is an easy way to get on the right path while avoiding unnecessary exposure and preventing your illness from impacting others.
Source: HealthSparq 2020 Annual Consumer Sentiment Benchmark Study: The State of Health Care Transparency and Health Plan Member Engagement
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, involves an excess force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Because your arteries carry blood from your heart throughout the body, too much pressure for a long time can lead to health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
Usually when we talk about hypertension it is referring to “primary” hypertension, a medical condition in and of itself. It is distinct from “secondary” hypertension, which is when blood pressure is high as a result of another illness: thyroid disease, alcoholism or sleep apnea, to name a few.
Primary hypertension affects around one-half of all adults over the age of 50. For most patients, there is a genetic factor, and rarely, medical syndromes like hormone problems and kidney disorders can raise blood pressure over time. Pregnant women are also at increased risk of some conditions that raise blood pressure. People with obesity, diabetes and those who use tobacco or excessive alcohol are all at increased risk.
Medications are often necessary for treatment and to prevent complications. Most of these medications are once-daily dosing. However, addressing these lifestyle factors can help reduce progression of the illness and can sometimes help reverse it:
Best practices for taking your blood pressure at home:
Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/measure.htm
Need help keeping your hypertension under control? Here are some questions and concerns that can be easily addressed 24/7 by a 98point6 physician.
Q: It seems like half the people I work with are on some kind of trendy diet or another. Some involve taking lots of supplements with meals, others revolve around costly powders and shakes. What should I be on the lookout for in terms of safety?
Q: Having a headache can put a stop to my day. At what point should I be concerned that there is a larger underlying issue?
Q: I’ve resolved to live healthier in 2020 but I have a long way to go and don’t know where to start. What are the most important first steps? How do I set myself up for success in a way that fits my lifestyle and job?
Whether your child has a fever or you’re worried about that dizziness you’ve been feeling, 98point6 is available 24/7 to you and your eligible family members ages 1 and older. With access to on-demand primary care via a mobile app, care is always at your fingertips.