What is telehealth?
Telehealth (also known as telemedicine or telerehab) is a type of treatment that allows you and our physical therapists to interact over a live audio and video connection in order to maximize care while you are not able to receive treatment at our clinic. A telehealth appointment can easily be scheduled, so we can continue to provide you with physical therapy services during the coronavirus pandemic.
How does it work?
Through a live audio and video feed over your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device, our therapists can connect directly with you to review your current complaint(s), as well as observe and assess your range of motion, functional mobility, and exercise form and technique. A telehealth consultation is very similar to a video conference. If you have ever used Skype on a computer or FaceTime on your phone, telehealth will feel very familiar.
Once you schedule the telehealth consultation, you will receive a link that allows you access to join the visit at the scheduled time. You will need to give the telehealth application permission to access your camera and microphone, as you would in a videoconference. The therapist will then join the meeting and start your physical therapy session. For your session, please wear workout or flexible clothing to assist with any necessary assessments and with exercise to avoid restriction and limitation of your movement.
What are some of the benefits of Telehealth?
- Convenient care from the comfort of your home
- Convenient care if you are unable to drive or get a ride
- Safe care while maintaining social distancing due to COVID-19
- Flexible care to match your work/life schedule
- Timely service to prevent your condition from worsening
- Saves time and cost (no travel time and travel cost required)
- Increased access to health care
What will happen during my session?
Our Telehealth Service will include a one-on-one consultation with our physical therapist who will assess your condition and provide a customized treatment plan. Your physical therapist will meet with you virtually via video conferencing to discuss your condition and your symptoms and may ask you to perform certain movements or virtual tests to determine the problem, and help you develop a plan of care to treat your condition.
What if I need hands-on or in-person care?
There are many innovative strategies using simple things in your home that can be incorporated to help you. Simple objects like a tennis ball or massage ball/stick can become useful to show you how to perform certain mobilizations or hands-on techniques to effectively manage your pain or condition. Specific therapeutic exercises can also be utilized. If you have a family member who can help, then we can often teach them a few techniques to perform on you to further help you. The goal of telehealth is always to teach you effective strategies to regain your independence and this can also be provided virtually.
How long is my session?
- Initial evaluation consults will be 60 minutes
- Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions will be 30 minutes
It is recommended that you log in 5-minutes prior to your appointment time and submit your required paperwork ahead of time.
Do I need a doctor’s referral for the Telehealth service?
No, a doctor’s referral is not necessary to see a physical therapist in Connecticut. However, some health insurance providers may require a doctor's referral to get reimbursed. Please check with your health insurance provider to be sure.
What can be done during a Telehealth visit?
- Take a thorough history to provide an accurate diagnosis
- Examine your movement and functional capacity
- Prescribe therapeutic exercises and stretches
- Correct your exercise form and provide cues to perform them more effectively
- Provide self-directed hands on treatment strategies
- Teach you what to do and more importantly what NOT to do
- Provide a Plan of Care to follow in your own environment
- Help train another person to assist you with exercises or stretches
What do I need for my Telehealth session?
You will require an internet connection with a device that has audio and video capabilities (i.e., tablet, smartphone or desktop computer, laptop computer.
How do I prepare for my Telehealth session?
Set your device up so that you can perform a face-to-face interview and you can move away to show your full body. Change into loose fitting-clothing (like you would wear to a gym) so that you can move freely. It is recommended that you log in 5 minutes prior to your session and submit any required paperwork ahead of time.
If you have any questions prior to your appointment, please call us at 203-445-9843, as we are more than happy to help.
