WAFCC provides telehealth services to member clinics. Telehealth offers an easy, convenient way for providers and patients to connect and discuss many health issues.
What is telehealth?
Telehealth allows healthcare professionals to care for patients using technology like video chat, calls or texts. Patients and providers get a similar experience to an office visit without having to leave home. Telehealth has been an especially effective way for healthcare professionals to continue to serve patients during COVID-19 by offering a socially-distant way to offer safe, convenient care for a number of health care concerns. However, telehealth is also great for ongoing wellness, chronic health problems and preventive care.
When to use telehealth services
Telehealth can be used for many health care concerns, such as:
- Minor illness or urgent care conditions
- Sore throat
- Congestion/cold
- Minor cough
- Minor back pain
- Common rashes
- General wellness and health maintenance follow-up
- Blood pressure and diabetes care
- Lab testing results (ex: glucose, cholesterol)
- Surgery follow-ups
- Prescriptions, including medication management
- Dental/vision screening
- Behavioral health counseling (ex: depression, anxiety, substance abuse)
- Challenges or issues with available transportation or ability to travel to a clinic
- Health education sessions (ex: nutrition counseling, diabetes, pre-operative instructions)
Telehealth offers many benefits
- Convenience – you can connect with your provider without the long drive, and it is easier to schedule around work, school, or child care.
- Faster appointments – Many times, you can see a provider more quickly on telehealth than an in-person visit.
- Reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19 – connect with your provider from the safety of your home.
- Easy to connect – you can connect with your provider right from your smart phone, tablet, laptop, computer or other device
- Effective ongoing care – use telehealth for medication checks, lab results, follow-up appointments and more
- Preventive care – wellness, health education and annual preventive care results can be easily handled
Language or interpreting needs
Telehealth visits can be conducted through an interpreter, or a friend or family member can participate in the visit to assist with interpreting if needed.
For Clinics
If you are a current WAFCC member clinic interested in adding telehealth to your patient services, visit the Telehealth Toolkit (link to come), or contact Danine Casper, danine.casper@wafcclinics.org
If you are not a current WAFCC member clinic, we welcome you to join us! Contact Danine Casper, danine.casper@wafcclinics.org to learn more about membership and telehealth.
For Providers
If you are a provider interested in providing telehealth, find a clinic and reach out to the clinic director nearest you to inquire about volunteering.
For Patients
To schedule a Telehealth appointment, visit the WAFCC Clinic Map to find a provider nearest you.
You will need a smartphone, computer, tablet or laptop or other device with audio and video capabilities, and access to the internet.
See below for more information about telehealth.
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Questions? Call your clinic
Be sure to call your WAFCC clinic for further instruction, if there is any question as to whether the reason for your visit is appropriate, or any other questions you may have.