Virtual Visits

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a convenient, live, HIPAA-compliant, face-to-face videoconference appointment between a patient and a doctor. This virtual doctor visit is offered as an alternative to outpatient office visits. Patients participate in the videoconference using a computer, tablet or smartphone with internet access. (If patients do not have access to this technology, remote visits via telephone, email or text can be arranged.)

Who are good candidates to utilize this orthopedic telemedicine service?

Patients who:

• do not want to leave the safety or comfort of their own homes
• want to save travel time to and from the office as well as wait time in the doctor office
• have transportation issues or want to save on travel costs (e.g., gas, parking, bus, taxi)
• have childcare issues or cannot take time off to visit the doctor
• do not require an extensive examination (a limited visual exam may be performed via the live video visit)

What type of appointments are ideal for virtual doctor visits?

• Postoperative check-ups that do not require the removal of skin staples or sutures
• Review of diagnostic tests that were ordered and completed (e.g., MRI scan, X-rays)
• Consultations when travel to the doctor’s office is difficult for any reason (e.g., COVID-19 safety concerns, bad weather, lack of transportation resources, medical limitations)
• Acute injuries when a patient may not be sure if an in-person visit is necessary or if X-rays are needed

How do telemedicine appointments work?

• You schedule telemedicine appointments the same way you would an in-office visit. Just call 410-601-BONE (2663) and ask to schedule a telemedicine appointment with your doctor. The appointment scheduler will ask you a few questions to determine if you will be doing a teleconference visit or if you will be consulting remotely with your doctor via telephone, text or email.
• Please note that you will be responsible for any deductible payments or copayments as required by your insurance carrier.
• You will be given a specific appointment date and time.
• If your appointment will be via videoconference, you will receive an email and/or text with a link to download the free Zoom videoconferencing software to your computer, tablet or smartphone.
• You will receive a reminder email and/or text prior to your scheduled appointment.
• You will click the link you received via email or text when it is time for your appointment, and then you will be logged into a virtual “waiting room.” Your doctor will then connect with you via his or her computer to conduct the face-to-face virtual consultation.
• The conversation between you and your doctor will be the same type of conversation you would have in a typical in-office face-to-face visit.
• Your doctor will be able to perform a limited physical assessment, such as looking at an incision or watching the range-of-motion of a joint. He or she may ask you to push on an area of concern (such as a swollen knee) to see if it is tender. Your doctor will also be able to “screen share” with you and show you X-rays and MRI scans, if necessary.
• Your doctor will let you know if an in-person visit is necessary based on the assessment during the videoconference. He or she will be able to electronically prescribe medications that will be sent directly to your pharmacy. Other prescriptions (e.g., physical therapy, consultation referrals) also can be sent to you electronically via the LifeBridge Health Patient Portal.