Our thoughts are with our patients and staff as conditions continue to unfold regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). As we monitor daily developments and implement plans to protect the health and safety of everyone, we are committed to keeping you informed.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis and to help connect with our patients in ways that support care delivery in a safe, secure environment, we are now offering Video Chat or the combination of Secure Text and Video Chat. Both Secure Text and Video Chat give healthcare a trusted solution to reach patients who may be too ill to get to the office, homebound, quarantined, traveling, not mobile or in rural environments. This is as easy to use for patients as making a phone call.

You can video chat using your smartphone. You can also video chat using Google chrome installed in your laptop or computer that has audio and video capabilities.

Telehealth services will be available as either virtual visits via a phone call with our physician or video visits with our physician via a two-way video chat (the patient will need a device with a camera and microphone). When patients call our office, our practice staff will discuss telehealth and in-office options with each patient, and provide the next steps and directions for telehealth. Telehealth services may not work in every instance, due to limitations of a patient’s technology, or the need to examine the patient in person. For those instances, and at the physician’s discretion, patients will continue to be seen in the office following the guidelines set forth previously. Patients are encouraged to call our office for specific questions or information, including same-day appointment needs. If an office visit is recommended, we have implemented special office hours. Additional cleaning is done between visits to help protect patients.

Welcome to the TeleHealth. One of the precautions We use internet-based videoconferencing (Video chat), so that patients can meet with our physician virtually. To take advantage of this capability, here is what you should know:

1. TeleHealth is not for medical emergencies. Please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you feel you are experiencing any of the following emergency medical problems:

   • Chest pain or pressure

   • Uncontrolled bleeding

   • Coughing / vomiting blood

   • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

   • Sudden dizziness, weakness, change in vision, slurred speech, or other neurological changes

   • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea

   • Changes in mental status, such as confusion

Below are some other Frequently asked questions that may be helpful to read before your first appointment:

Can I call while driving?

• No, DO NOT CALL WHILE DRIVING. The provider will immediately end the visit if you are driving.

What devices/computers can I use to access the TeleHealth platform?

• Our TeleHealth platform can be accessed with the most recent versions of most browsers, as well as through most Apple, Samsung, HTC, Motorola, and other smartphones.

What do I do if I have trouble connecting?

• We recommend always testing your computer before you connect if you are accessing from a PC or laptop. Most patients have found it easy to use their smart phones for TeleHealth.

What if I get disconnected?

• Simply reconnect through the virtual waiting room. If your doctor does not reappear after a few minutes, simply call the office to determine any needed follow up.

What if my webcam or microphone isn’t working?

• There are a few easily fixed reasons why your microphone isn’t working. See YouTube clips below to fix yout webcam or microphone.

Will providers have access to my medical record?

• Yes, just as if you were with them in person, your doctor will have access to your medical record during your visit.

Can I still get a prescription refill after my TeleHealth consultation?

• Yes, if your doctor deems it necessary to write a prescription as a result of your TeleHealth visit, they may do so – just as if you were with them in person.

Can I schedule my next appointment through the TeleHealth platform?

• While it is not possible to schedule a follow up appointment on the TeleHealth platform, you can easily request using your patient portal. Alternatively, you can also call us at 864 373 PAIN (7246) to arrange one.

First you need to have a scheduled appointment. For new patients, this will be given to you over the phone. For existing patients, we usually give you the next appointment time at the end of current visit. If not, you can call us to get an appointment.

Once you are on our schedule, we will send you a link by text or email just before the appointment time. You click on the link and initiate the video chat with our medical staff who will go through the your complaints, update the history and medications. They the medical assistant will hand over the session to our doctor who will communicate with you using audio and video. At the end of the session, based on the medical plan necessary action will be taken by the doctor and the medical staff. This will include electronically submitting your prescriptions to the pharmacy, referring you to other providers or scheduling a procedure.

See the flow diagram : How to Use Video Chat for Patients