In addition to washing your hands and doing your part toward social distancing, one of the best ways to limit risk and decrease the chance of contracting this virus is to avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital.
Sure, that’s a great goal, but we all know injuries and accidents will occur even in the time of coronavirus and some of these events will require people to see a medical provider. Those injured or ill from work or an accident still need care, but many people are afraid to go to a doctor or hospital in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. Still others would go, but their appointments have been cancelled.
For too many, delayed treatment means more time out of work and with the economy crashing as fast as the rate of infection rises, no one wants to risk being out of work right now. So, what do you do? Well, you might consider telemedicine.
Telemedicine can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In the current crisis, remote medicine, might just offer a ray of light to help protect patients and health care providers alike. Telemedicine, visits are conducted using video conferencing. Patients “see” doctors via something akin to a zoom or face time and may never have to come to an office or hospital. This could lower risks for everyone, while reopening the door to doctors’ offices across the state - at least their virtual doors.
Even better, virtual care is covered by insurance - the New Hampshire legislature and Department of Insurance made sure of that. Effective the beginning of 2020, all providers with an already established, in-person patient relationship can bill for remote monitoring, telemedicine and substance use disorder services. In August last year, legislation passed to guarantee patients covered under Medicaid are able to access a physician without in-person contact with that provider. The federal government has likewise acted to be sure Medicare patients can also take advantage of this option with their coverage intact.
Once something out of the Jetsons (that’s an old space age cartoon for you young ‘uns), telemedicine is taking off like a rocket. Some predict it will be the most common form of healthcare in the future, and as a result of coronavirus, the future may be now. Since Dartmouth Hitchcock launched its first telemedicine center in 2012, coverage and possibilities have grown exponentially. Now, other hospitals have joined the movement and patients are quickly catching on. Concord Hospital Medical Group told the concord monitor that as of March 20th they had completed nearly 1,100 telephone visits and had an additional 1,200 scheduled. Individual providers are also offering this service.
Bottom Line
If you have an injury or an illness and need to see a doctor, but want to avoid the hospital, ask your provider if they can offer a telemedicine appointment. If they don’t already, the chances are they will soon and by taking advantage of this you may be protecting yourself and your doctor.
Learn more about coronavirus laws regarding disability, workers' compensation and employment in New Hampshire. https://ricelaw-office.com/covid-19-resources
Questions about Employment, Disability, Injury or Workers’ Comp Law? Looking for a New Hampshire Lawyer who is experienced in Workers’ compensation? CALL: 603-528-5299