TeleHealth Virtual Visits
Virtual Visit FAQ’s:
What is a Virtual Visit?
A virtual visit is an online appointment that allows you to talk face-to-face with your provider from wherever is most convenient for you. Instead of going in to the clinic, you meet with your provider using a secure video connection from your mobile device or computer. To help slow the spread of the coronavirus, we encourage anyone who needs an appointment with a provider to schedule a virtual visit for their care.
How do I schedule a Virtual Visit?
Call Arthritis and Rheumatology Consultants at 952-893-1959. We’ll help schedule a virtual visit with your provider or the provider of your choice.
Benefits of a Virtual Visit
• Convenience
• No travel time or transportation costs
• Shorter wait for care
• Access to care if the provider you need to see is far from home or work
• Continue working if your provider is running late
• Similar cost to regular office visit and covered by most insurance plans
• Avoid the waiting room (and waiting room germs!)
A virtual visit is a great alternative to in-person care with your provider for a wide range of health conditions and services, more than you might expect. So instead of a trip to the clinic, you can avoid a busy waiting room and meet with a provider from the comfort and convenience of your own home.
What should I expect?
You schedule a virtual visit for a specific date and time by calling your clinic.
Before the visit:
1. Check with your insurance provider to see if virtual visits are covered in your plan.
2. You will receive a reminder email a few days before your virtual visit.
3. On the day of your visit, launch the Virtual Visit account app on your mobile device or computer and join the visit at least twenty minutes before your appointment time.
4. Find a quiet, well-lit place to ensure privacy and good sound quality. A virtual visit will not be performed if you are operating any type of motorized vehicle.
During and after the visit:
1. After connecting to the virtual visit, you’ll be placed in the online waiting room.
2. When the visit begins, you’ll see your care team on a split screen.
3. You’ll talk to your provider like you do during a normal office visit.
4. Your care team will provide an after-visit summary and document your appointment in your health record.
5. Your visit will be billed to insurance like a regular office visit.
6. If during the virtual visit you or your provider determines further testing or examination is necessary, a quick in-clinic follow up can be scheduled when it works best for you.
If you need to cancel or reschedule a virtual visit, call ARC at 952-893-1959. If you have technical difficulties connecting to your scheduled visit, call 952-893-1959.
What is required of me?
Most patients who have seen their provider virtually were satisfied with their care and would use virtual care again. For instructions on joining your virtual visit and testing devices for compatibility, please visit Otto Health at: https://www.ottohealth.com/patient-resources
Payment
A virtual visit usually costs the same as an office visit but depends on your insurance plan. Virtual visits are not typically reimbursable with Medicare, but for a temporary period they will be reimbursed by Medicare to support patients and providers during the coronavirus outbreak. Virtual visits are available during standard clinics hours with your provider.