Virtual care has emerged as the primary access point for receiving diagnosis, treatment and reassurance from the safety and comfort of home. Not only does this empower people to take charge of their health, virtual care minimizes exposure risk for each individual and by extension, their broader communities—as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CARE FOR THE NEW NORMAL
Even as the world slowly gets back to life, the time-, cost- and hassle-saving benefits of 98point6 will continue to make it a worthwhile first stop in your healthcare journey. Whether you’re at home, at work or on the go, our physicians are available 24/7 to offer diagnosis and treatment, expert guidance and trusted reassurance.
How can you make the most of each visit? We asked 98point6 physician Chere McCormick, DO for some thought-starters.
Q: HOW IS VIRTUAL CARE DIFFERENT THAN AN IN-OFFICE VISIT?
A: With on-demand care that’s available right from your device, anytime, from anywhere, you’re able to not only get diagnosis and treatment for a particular condition, you’re also able to monitor—and most importantly—act on any health questions or concerns so you can keep feeling your best. Ownership of your health puts you in the driver’s seat, which is exactly where you want to be.
Q: WHAT EXACTLY DO I NEED TO HAVE ON-HAND FOR MY 98POINT6 VISIT?
A: The more accurate and timely information you can provide the Automated Assistant with whom you connect with at the start of your visit, the more efficient and effective the 98point6 physician can be. To have the most productive experience, I would recommend coming prepared with the following:
MUST-HAVES
Together, these frame the big picture of your health and ensure any treatment we might add to your existing Care Plan works well for you.
TIP: With a little planning, you can make sure all of this information is on your mobile device. So when you do need to start a visit—even if it’s on a beach or at a work site—it’s all right there at your fingertips.
- Up-to-date medication list. Ideally, this includes name, dosage and frequency of use.
- TIP: Snap a picture of your medication labels so you always have the details when you’re ready to start a visit.
- Past Medical History/Current Medical Conditions. Because each medication you take is associated with a particular condition, you’re part-way there. However, if you’ve also dealt with a significant or chronic condition in the past—even if the condition is currently well-controlled and especially if you no longer take medication for it—remember to share this potentially relevant information with the physician (otherwise, they will never know!).
- TIP: Provide your medical history and medications as accurately as possible with the Automated Assistant at the start of your first encounter. Already bypassed that part in a previous visit or have updated information to add? No worries. At your next visit, let the physician know you’d like to re-address your medical history and they’ll be happy to help you revise accordingly.
BONUS
- Vital signs. This is where smart devices and wearables are beneficial. Having access to information like pulse rate, temperature and blood pressure gives the physician valuable insight on your current physical state.
GOOD TO HAVE
- Digital thermometer. Changes in normal body temperature, measured by a thermometer, suggest you are fighting an infection.
- Scale. Measuring your weight, along with getting a close estimation of your height, can give us a lot of insight about your health. Your weight is also a critical factor in determining your unique dosing of medication.
- Digital blood pressure cuff. Most of these check not only your blood pressure, but also your pulse; these readings are equally important in times of illness and as a measure of overall health. You can purchase this tool easily online or at your local drug store.
- Digital otoscope. This mimics the tool we use in the office to examine the ear canal. It connects to your smartphone or computer and shows us the inside of your ear through picture and video. No more guessing whether or not you have an ear infection!
BONUS
- If you have a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes, there are specific connected devices that may help in your day-to-day management. Start a dialogue with your physician to learn what might work best for you, or ask us at 98point6.