What Are eHealth Video Visits?
An eHealth video visit is a secure online appointment between you and your provider using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Both you and the provider are able to see, hear and speak to each other, similar to using FaceTime. Your video visit is private and not recorded – only you and your provider participate in the appointment and it’s completed in real time.
The UVM Health Network has used video visits to provide a convenient, safe and secure care option to our patients. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have expanded this offering across our primary and specialty care practices to meet your care needs.
Find Out How You Can See Your Doctor From Home.
See What an eHealth Video Visit With Your Provider Looks Like
How Can an eHealth Video Visit Help Me?
- CONVENIENCE: You can see and talk with your provider from the comfort of your home.
- SAFETY: By staying home, you’ll help slow the spread of illnesses, like COVID-19, and protect yourself from others who may be sick.
- EFFICIENCY: Without the need to travel, you’ll save time and money.
- SECURITY: We use strict, HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing technology designed to protect your privacy and the security of your health information.
- PRIORITY: Connect with your provider when health concerns arise, especially if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or hypertension.
“I was very pleased with the Zoom appointment and would prefer this level of appointment in the future. I felt the doctor spent more time with me, explaining my situation and discussing my care. And it was time efficient!”
Here’s How It Works
- CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER’S OFFICE.
You and your care team will determine if an eHealth video visit is right for your health needs. If so, they will email you the link to your secure video visit. Find provider information.
- LOG INTO THE VIDEO VISIT.
When it’s time for your video visit, click the appointment link emailed by your provider’s office using a computer, smartphone, or tablet with reliable internet service. You’ll be able to see and talk with your provider.
- TALK WITH YOUR PROVIDER, PRIVATELY AND SECURELY.
During your eHealth video visit, discuss your health needs just as you normally would. Your doctor has access to your complete medical record and can electronically order prescriptions and medical follow-up based on your needs.
Which Departments or Practices Offer eHealth Video Visits?
Most of them! From primary care to specialty programs, most of our departments are equipped with eHealth video visit capabilities. Contact your provider’s office to discuss your health needs and let them know you’re interested in a video visit.
“Using the Zoom meeting was made to be very easy. I am not that tech savvy, but this was explained well.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact your provider’s office and let them know you’re interested in a video visit. Your care team will determine if this type of visit is appropriate for your health needs. If so, they will help to arrange your video visit and will provide you with instructions for your online appointment.
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Yes. Providers have access to your electronic medical record, and as with office visits, each can electronically order prescriptions and write medical orders based on the patient’s need.
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Your visit is private and confidential. We use technology that, by law, must include HIPAA-compliant security methods to protect privacy and security of your health information. Only those whom you have agreed to participate in the visit may see and hear it.
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No, Vermont law does not allow any recording to be made of patient video visits. Also, by law, patients are not allowed to record it from their end.
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Yes, those who participate in your care may be present.
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Most insurance carriers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, allow for some type of telemedicine visit. Eligibility and coverage, however, may vary from one insurance to another. Your care team will be able to help you understand how this impacts you.
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If, during your video visit, your provider determines that you need to be seen in-person, the office staff will work with you to find a convenient time for you to come in. Standard office visit charges would apply.
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No, you will not be penalized from receiving further care just because you decide not to continue with the video visit. We would just ask that you call the office to cancel or reschedule the appointment just as you would do if you had an in-person appointment.
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Yes, your provider’s notes will be entered into your record just like an in-person visit. Like your other medical records, you have the right to access the provider’s visit notes.
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Video visits and other telemedicine services have been studied and confirmed by decades of research and demonstrations to be a safe, convenient, and often cost-effective way to provide healthcare services.
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- If you plan to use a smartphone or tablet, please download the free Zoom app through the App Store or Google Play. If using a computer, no download is required.
- You will receive an appointment invitation via email with instructions for accessing your video appointment.
- When you’re ready to begin your appointment, please click “Join Zoom Meeting” from within the email.
- If prompted, please enter the meeting ID provided in the email invitation.
Answer
- Test your device or computer 24 hours before your appointment. Contact us if you have any questions.
- Use a hardwire connection, not Wi-Fi, when possible.
- Adjust the camera to your eye/forehead level.
- Sit in a quiet, private room with no distractions.
- The light source should be directed toward your face. Do not sit with a window behind you.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Speak clearly with normal tone and volume.
- If you have problems hearing or seeing the provider, let them know.
- If you need assistance, contact us at (802) 847-8266.
Resources
- Video Visits Brochure
- Don’t Wait to Get the Care You Need – Video Visits are Available
- The Doctor Is In: Find out how you can see your doctor from home
- Got Security Concerns About Connecting With Your Doctor via Video? We Have Answers
Contact and Support
If you have questions about your appointment, please contact your provider’s office. If you need technical assistance with your video visit, please call us at (802) 847-1830.