[BobTina]

Originally Posted by Heartnsoul

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

We’ve talked on video with ease. The nurse called us first to go over BP and other minors issues. The same way you would talk to nurse before seeing doctors. Then we got email from doctor office wi link. We clicked on the link and gave it permission to use our camera and speaker on our computer then we saw or doctors on video. We talked like we normally do at doctors office. It saves our gas and we didn’t have to worry about catching covid19 or colds from other people.

[richs631]

Originally Posted by Heartnsoul

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

Yes they charge insurance, yes they charge deductible. I guess they are looking to limit the number of patients in the waiting room because of Covid. I do it but if it’s something minor like asking me a few questions to renew my prescription

[jammendolia]

Originally Posted by Heartnsoul

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

I have done several And I don’t mind them at all

[pcacace]

Usually you don’t get charged after a medical procedure if you make phone calls w questions to your dr. This is the case w us. You don’t have to accept a video call if you want to see the Dr. it all depends on your problem.

[NotGolfer]

I see several physicians for various issues. My pcp and I have never done the tele-visits. I've seen her in office a handful of times. My rheumatologist seems more wary---I've had 2 televisits with her and one in office. I prefer the in-office as I think it would be difficult to treat a patient otherwise, especially as we grow older. They can listen to our heart and look at our various body parts and maybe discover something they'd miss via a computer screen. We have T.V. Health so our visits are never charged to us but when we see specialists, there is a co-pay. During "Rona" for a number of months the co-pay was waived but now I think they're back to collecting it.

[GaryKoca]

I am challenged by too much technology, but I found the zoom call easy to use. They provide you with a link that you click on to - very simple. They want zoom calls instead of telephone calls because they can charge more, frankly. But I prefer a zoom call over a telephone call. Neither is as good as an office visit, however.

[courtyard]

I have TV Health also, and since I don't have to take any meds, I canceled my yearly visits, and they canceled me. Now I don't have any doctor. Just try and cancel your yearly Wellness Visits and see what happens.

[lstevenson1470]

I like having the option of a tele-visit. I don't want to be sitting in a doctors office if I don't really have to be there, especially with Covid. Try the tele-visit. If you really don't like it, switch doctors to someone who can do office visits.

[Bill1701]

Originally Posted by JoMar

I have the option of personal visit or virtual. I prefer virtual, saves both of us time and he has the lab results as do I since they are posted through the portal. I take my BP, O2 and temp at home so I have that data. Not sure what a personal visit gets me.

That works for you but many of us don't have the equipment to get those numbers. The first video call I had they asked for my BP. I told them I had no idea. They seemed irritated that I didn't know and just asked what it was the last time I had it checked, which was several months ago.

[Pbthrockm@msn.com]

Have to agree not happy about. And I would think they charge same fee to insurance. But worth investigating.

[allsport]

You are protecting your doctor and yourself. If you have significant issues they will see you, if not, this is best for all. Buy a BP cuff, a pulse ox and a thermometer to keep check on your health. They are all cheap and automatic. They may save your life. Believe in science, it will save your life.

[tophcfa]

I prefer an in person, but I more strongly prefer not getting infected with Covid, so for now virtual will have to do. That being said, a few years ago my doctor saved my life during a routine screening examination that could only be done in person. There is no substitute for being in the physical presence of your doctor. Now, if they could find a way to get work done at the dentist virtually, I would be in on that.

[ken.yotz]

Most of these docs are not in private practice. They work for an "employer" who sets the rates. They charge what they do because they can. They have bought up much of the competition. I say this even though my son is in med school.

[KathyW]

I have a BCBS PPO and there is no co-pays for me on all tele visits. Check your insurance - you might not have a co-pay.

[rmd2]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Yes, they do charge the same as an office visit. And, I agree with you. I don't like it. I remember when my doctor would call me the same day or next day with test results and didn't charge anything. Now, you have to make an appointment and wait longer to get the results, and the doctor charges you as if you came into the office for an in person visit.

My doctor has me get my blood work 1 week before my regular appointment and she gives me the lab results then. This is the ethical way to do it.