Telemedicine
What is a televisit? Am I a candidate?
What is Telemedicine?
Sano Orthopedics is now offering telemedicine options! Telemedicine allows our providers to give remote care, provide medical evaluations and establish a plan of care without an office visit. These types of appointments are referred to as televisits. A televisit allows you to receive the same quality care through technology (think Facetime and Skype) as you would in the office setting.
How do I schedule an orthopedic televisit?
Please call our office (816) 525-2840.
The process for scheduling an orthopedic televisit is similar to scheduling an office visit. Contact our office and a member of our engagement team will get you scheduled. You will need to be web-enabled within our electronic medical records (EMR) system. This means you will need to provide an email and login to our Patient Portal.
Please inform our engagement team if you have any prior x-rays, MRIs or other medical records relevant for your visit.
Will my insurance cover televisits?
Yes, most insurance companies accept televisits. With recent concerns over the spread of Covid-19, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) is expanding Medicare’s telehealth coverage. Patients can expect to pay co-pays/fees, same as an office visit. Payor policies are very fluid at this time and offering more coverage. With that said, the health of our patients is a top priority. Contact us for more information as our team can work with you.
What should I expect from a televisit?
Telemedicine refers to a video visit with our orthopedic surgeons. Joining the televisit is easy!
- On the day of the appointment, you log into the Patient Portal 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time. We recommend a private location with good internet connection. You can also connect from the appointment email reminder or by downloading the healow app.
- Next, you will be prompted to answer some check-in questions, signaling to our team that you have arrived for the appointment.
- You enter a “virtual waiting room” while the doctor and staff get connected.
- The doctor joins the meeting, speaks with you in real-time, views your movements and injuries, discusses your condition, delivers a diagnosis and provides options for care.
- The televisit will be documented through a progress note, which will be accessible in the patient portal.
Do I need certain equipment to be able to have a televisit?
All that is needed to have a successful televisit is good internet connection, a private setting, desktop, tablet, computer or phone with access to a microphone and camera. We are encouraging patients to download the Healow app for optimal experience.
Is telemedicine new?
No. Telemedicine has been gaining traction over the past several years. However, reimbursement of these visit types was slow to follow and thus limiting widespread usage. Just this month, President Trump announced an emergency declaration for CMS to expand Medicare’s telehealth benefits. This makes it more possible for all Americans to seek telehealth services, even orthopedic conditions.
Will I be receiving the same level of care online as I would in the office?
Yes! Although you are not physically in our office, you will still receive the same personal attention with a complete history, review of medical records, diagnostic tests, and physical exam. Further diagnostic tests and other orders can be done, if needed. Our team of orthopedic surgeons and PA providers believes a strong doctor patient relationship is key to better outcomes. You will be talking one-on-one with our team every time to answer all your questions and address any concerns.
How do I learn more?
Telemedicine is new for Sano Orthopedics, but we are seeing it as a great alternative for many patients, both existing and new. We are still seeing patients in our office, if we find that as the best option. Give us a call and we can get you started on the treatment journey.