19 March 2020 - Introduction of Telehealth to all North Georgia Internal Medicine and North Georgia Osteoporosis Center Patients

Starting immediately, our patients will be able to complete visits with our physicians and PA from their own home. We remain available for in office face-to-face consultation.

​

What type of visits are recommended for telehealth?

Most visits including medication refills, allergy, infections, respiratory symptoms, wellness visits, injuries, rashes, high blood pressure, routine follow ups, diabetes, depression, anxiety, ADD and a host of others can be completed during your telehealth visit.

​

What type of phone or computer do I need for telehealth?

The good news is that all you need is a smart phone, or if you prefer a tablet or computer (with a camera and speaker) that connects to the internet. There is no need to download any APPs or set up any passwords.

​

How do I get started?

If there is a new problem, a wellness visit, or a problem that requires follow up you will start by contacting the office either by calling 678-494-4450 or by logging onto the portal and requesting a telehealth visit. During this period of social distancing, if you would like to change your currently scheduled in-person visit to a telehealth visit, please let us know.

 

How do I prepare for my telehealth visit?

Preparing for your visit will ensure that you get the most out of the time spent with the provider. 

• As soon as you have scheduled a telehealth visit, you will receive a text from our office. It is imperative that you complete all the requested information as soon as possible after it is received. Once completed, there is nothing left to do.

• 10-15 minutes before the time of your scheduled appointment, you will need to log into the web address given to you by the scheduler, type your name in and you will then be connected to the provider for the visit to begin.

​​

What helpful information can I "bring" to the meeting?

We love data; so any information that is available will be very helpful.

• When possible measure your pulse (if you know how to measure), your temperature (if a thermometer is readily available), and your blood pressure (if you have a blood pressure cuff available). If you have issues with blood sugar, please have your recent measurements available.

• Always have an up-to-date list of your medications (or the actual medication bottles) available as well as the name, address, and phone number of your pharmacy.

• If you want us to coordinate care with another provider, please have the name and contact information readily available.

​​

Who pays for telehealth visits?

• All major insurances, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage Plans are covering telehealth visits.

• Major insurances are accepting telehealth visits in the same manner that they cover in-office visits.

• The authority on the coverage is your health plan. Our front office department will be happy to answer questions as well.

​

What problems are NOT a good fit for telemedicine?

• Medical emergencies

• Severe symptoms

• Medical procedures (infusion of medication, injections, suture removal)

​

We have always found our community of patients to be loving and very civic. Please express these kind genes during this unusual time. Please be leaders in your family and community regarding social distancing. Please remember that young people can be very severely affected (although less frequently) and will be an important source of spread in the community and to older family members. Please encourage your children and grandchildren to practice social distancing.

​

We hope this information and our new tools are helpful in maintaining you health goals.

​

Your family at North Georgia Internal Medicine,

Bram Wieskopf, MD

Catherine Meredith, MD

Elizabeth Vandel, PA-C

Laura Bayani, PA-C