Telemedicine lets patients speak with their physician by video or phone instead of traveling to the office. For patients who already have a relationship with a practice, it can make follow-up care more convenient.
What telemedicine can be useful for
Depending on the situation and the physician’s judgment, telemedicine may be appropriate for:
- Follow-up visits and reviewing lab or test results
- Medication discussions and check-ins
- Questions about ongoing health plans
- Preventive and lifestyle conversations
What it cannot do
Some concerns require an in-person exam, testing or imaging. A physician may recommend an office visit, or urgent or emergency care, when a telemedicine visit is not enough.
Where the patient is located matters
Physicians are licensed by state, and telemedicine generally requires the patient to be located in a state where the physician is licensed at the time of the visit. Celeste Clinica offers in-person and telemedicine care for patients in Arizona, and telemedicine services are also available for patients located in California, Colorado and Florida.
Preparing for a visit
- Check your internet connection and device camera and microphone.
- Choose a quiet, private place.
- Have your medication list and questions ready.
- Be ready to confirm your location at the start of the visit.
Consent and privacy
Telemedicine involves specific consent and privacy considerations. See our Telehealth Consent and Privacy Policy pages for details.
Key takeaway
Telemedicine is a convenient complement to in-person care, not a replacement for it. Your physician will help decide which format fits each concern.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not create a patient-physician relationship.
Reviewed by Dr. Ghadimi