Telemedicine and Telehealth virtual office visits

We want to reassure our new and existing patients that during the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic our office is open and able to provide you with continuous healthcare. We are also here to address all your health and safety concerns.

Currently, there are two options available to meet with our providers including in-office or telemedicine. For those free of any signs and symptoms of respiratory illness or exposure risk we are happy to schedule regular in-person office visits. Telemedicine is a new service we are providing. Telemedicine has been recommended by the Colorado Medical Society as an option for those who wish to maximize social distancing. We encourage telemedicine visits especially if you are older and suffer from any major chronic illness.

If you have any sort of respiratory illness including sore throat, runny nose, cough or fever please do not come to the office as we wish to minimize exposure to our other patients and staff. We are happy to schedule a telemedicine visit for any and all respiratory illness related issues.

Currently, the Colorado Medical Society (CMS) is allowing us to use various forms of communication for telemedicine such as phone, Facetime, Skype and Zoom. These forms of communication although somewhat secure do not meet Hippa standards. The Hippa requirement is being waived with patient consent at this time. This simply means that if you give us consent we can treat you via telemedicine using any of these forms of communication.

As of this week the federal government lifted restrictions on telemedicine to Medicare patients. Medicaid is also covering virtual visits and private insurers usually follows suit. If you are unsure whether your insurance will cover a telemedicine visit you can call them directly for more information. Otherwise you can pay out of pocket for a telemedicine appointment. Telemedicine visits are billed similar to regular office visits. We can order labs, tests and prescribe medications but there are certain limitations since we cannot examine you directly.

Regarding COVID-19 Coronavirus, social distancing is important as well as frequent hand washing. Testing is still not widely available and specific criteria have to be met: cha.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.5.20_2019-nCoV-Initial-Assesment-Form-for-LPHAs-and-Healthcare-Providers_CDPHE.pdf. If you have symptoms it is best to assume you have the virus to protect others and take proper care of yourself. For most who contract COVID-19, the symptoms are mild and can be treated at home with supportive care, isolation from others and remaining at home until symptom free for 7 days. You should avoid the hospital unless you are severely ill. If you were exposed to a confirmed case, you should quarantine yourself for 14 days to assure you remain symptom free. For more information please visit: covid19.colorado.gov

For those of you living outside of the state of Colorado, we have another option known as online consults. Slightly different, but we can discuss general health, diet and nutrition related issues: https://denversdietdoctor.com/online-consults/

Stay well, safe and informed. With the pandemic, now is an important time as any to optimize your diet and lifestyle to stay healthy. We hope things get back to normal soon, but in the meantime we are here to assist. If you wish to schedule an appointment please call us @ 303-346-9490 or email jgerbermd.com/contact/