Virtual Consultations: Essential to Health Care During COVID-19 Self-Isolation

Do you have an appointment with a health care professional coming up? Imagine if you only had to take the time off work or out of your day that you needed for the appointment, eliminating the cost and time wasted travelling to your appointment – does that sound practical? 

In a time when accessing quality health care is becoming increasing difficult in rural areas, and especially during these periods of self-isolation imposed by the COVID-19 outbreak, telehealth or virtual consultations is an essential tool to provide quality health care to people without them having to leave the comfort of their home or office. 

How does telehealth work? As your Registered Dietitian, I use phone conversations to do regular follow-ups with my clients in between appointments to check progress and modify treatment plans and answer quick questions through FREE 15-minute mini consultations. Instead of having these conversations over the phone, I would send you a link that would bring you directly to a video conversation with me allowing us to communicate on a more personal level, and so I can see your lovely smile.  

What are the advantages of telehealth? I’ve already mentioned that you avoid wasting time and money by having to travel to and from your appointments. But another advantage is it helps all of our health professionals – Dietitian, Physiotherapists and Kinesiologists - to track your progress more regularly and make changes to your treatment plan as needed. And we are still able to directly bill your insurance if applicable. If you have any questions about how any of our therapists can help you during this challenging time, reach out to us for more information. 

One big advantage if you are at home, is you can walk me through your pantry, fridge and freezer and show me the foods that you are buying so that I can give you more accurate information on the products your are buying, including how to make use of what you have in your pantry and freezer during these challenging times. 

What are the limitations of telehealth? Luckily the only thing required for a telehealth session with me is a reliable internet connection since as a Registered Dietitian all I need to do is ask questions. For consultations with health professionals other than myself, you sometimes need to get creative. Sometimes another therapist such as a doctor or Physiotherapist might require you to self-examine. If you are having digestive issues they may ask you to feel your abdomen and describe what you feel, you will need to describe to the best of your abilities what you are feeling and the practitioner might need to get creative with the questions they ask you in order to get the information they need. In my opinion, that is not much of a limitation at all. 

What about payment? At PhysioFirst, in most cases we are still able to direct bill your insurance as I mentioned earlier as many private insurance plans cover the cost of our services either partially or entirely.  You can pay with a credit card over the phone or if you are in the Grand Falls N.B. area, you can pay next time that you visit the clinic. 

Some of the ways we can help you via telehealth are: 

• Nutrition questions with me – Gabby, your Registered Dietitian. These can be related to managing blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, digestive issues, food allergies or intolerances, prenatal nutrition, baby’s first foods, meal planning and strategies to better manage your food supply and food safety during COVID-19. 

• Women’s health questions and treatment progression with Sascha

• If you have questions about your treatment plan or need a program with one of our therapists – Physio, Kinesiologist or Dietitian - or are concerned that you need adjustments, and you are not able to make it in – book a telehealth consultation. 

• Do you have wounds that you are concerned about? Our Physiotherapist Michelle is certified in wound care and can help address concerns and prevent an un-necessary hospital visit. 

Have any questions about how we can help you? 

Give us a call at 506-473-7064 

Send us an email at admin@physiofirstinc.com

Or find us on Facebook @physiofirstgrandfalls