Q: How can asthma and allergy patients maximize the use of telehealth when they need treatment?
Purvi Parikh, MD: Telehealth is a helpful tool for asthma and allergy patients who are experiencing symptoms – especially if they are unable to get in to see their doctor right away.
Telehealth is also helpful for patients who live in remote area of the country where they may not have access to asthma and allergy specialists.
When you have your telehealth visit, it’s very important that you fully describe your symptoms, how long you have had symptoms, and what medications you have used – or not used. Since this is through a computer platform, it’s important for you to be as detailed as possible.
Your telehealth provider or physician can then make an assessment and decide if you do need to seek further care, either in a doctor’s office or in an emergency setting. Your physician can also prescribe medications for you as part of the telehealth visit.
An important thing to note is telehealth may not be covered by your insurance plan, so it’s important to check if telehealth is something that is covered or is affordable for you and your family.
Purvi Parikh, MD, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill and New York University School of Medicine in New York City. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Advocacy Council of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Have a medical question? Email editor@allergyasthmanetwork.org or write to Ask the Allergist, Allergy & Asthma Network, 8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 260, Vienna, VA 22182.
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