Submitted by Richard Smith, MD, Intermountain Medical Director for Humana.

Pierce County residents have been turning to medical virtual visits, also known as telemedicine, more than ever during the coronavirus pandemic. While telemedicine companies have been around for years, the pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in virtual visits as primary care doctors, specialists and hospitals began offering the service as a way to help keep patients safe.

Now that medical offices and hospitals are accepting patients again for in-person visits and elective procedures, you may be wondering if you should return to your doctors office or stick to a virtual visit. Rest assured, your health care providers can help you decide whats best as they work to ensure safe care for patients and staff. This includes changing the ways they deliver care like screening patients ahead of time to help determine if its best to go to a medical office or stay at home.

In-person VisitsIf its determined that an in-person visit is best for you, youll find that to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, many facilities are taking the following steps:

Virtual VisitsIf you dont require in-person attention, a virtual visit is still a good option. Many people are choosing virtual visits in non-emergency situations for routine follow-ups and non-life-threatening conditions. This option allows you to consult your doctor or other health care providers in your network via a secure video or phone appointment, all in the comfort of your home. Before your telehealth visits:

Whether you choose a virtual or in-person visit, check with your health insurance provider to see if theyve taken steps to help ease the burden during the health crisis. For example, Humana is waiving cost sharing (including copays, coinsurance and deductibles) for in-network primary care, outpatient behavioral health and virtual visits for our Medicare Advantage members for the remainder of the calendar year.

Getting the care you need is always important. Consider these options to stay safe and healthy. And remember, for life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or suicidal thoughts, always call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Bottom line, dont delay care because you are worried about contracting COVID-19.

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Getting the health care you need during COVID-19 - The Suburban Times