Telemedicine Info

Telemedicine Services

At Westford Internal Medicine, we understand that modern healthcare must be convenient, accessible, and patient-centered. That’s why we offer comprehensive telemedicine services for patients aged 17 and older. With telemedicine, you can meet with your doctor or healthcare provider from the comfort of your home, office, or any private location — without the time and logistics of traveling to the clinic. Whether you're managing a chronic condition, following up after a recent visit, or experiencing new symptoms, telemedicine allows you to receive the care you need in a safe, secure, and effective way.

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine uses secure video and telephone technology to allow you to speak directly with your healthcare provider. This approach offers a real-time clinical consultation, much like an in-person visit. You can discuss your symptoms, ask questions, review test results, adjust medications, and receive medical advice — all through a virtual platform. All communication is encrypted and conducted on HIPAA-compliant systems to protect your privacy and personal health information.

What Can Be Treated via Telemedicine?

Many medical issues can be addressed through telemedicine, especially those not requiring a physical exam. Our telehealth visits can help with:

• New or worsening symptoms such as mild respiratory issues, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, or skin rashes
• Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, asthma)
• Follow-up care after a recent office visit, procedure, or hospitalization
• Medication reviews and renewals
• Interpretation of lab results, imaging, or specialist reports
• Mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, and insomnia
• Lifestyle counseling (nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation)

Benefits of Choosing Telemedicine

Telemedicine is not just a convenient alternative — it’s a powerful tool to maintain continuity of care and improve access to services. Key advantages include:

• Time-saving: Avoid travel and waiting room delays by connecting directly from home or work.
• Safe and low-risk: Reduce exposure to other patients, especially during cold and flu season or during a public health outbreak.
• More accessible: Ideal for patients with limited mobility, transportation challenges, or busy schedules.
• Flexible scheduling: Easier to find an appointment that fits into your day — including early morning or same-day availability for acute issues.
• Convenient follow-up: Frequent, shorter check-ins to fine-tune chronic condition management without the need to come in person.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To ensure your telemedicine appointment is smooth and productive, we recommend the following:

1. Make sure your device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) is fully charged and has a stable internet connection.
2. Choose a quiet, well-lit, and private space for the consultation.
3. Have your medications, recent test results, or a list of symptoms and questions ready before the visit.
4. Check your email or phone for the link and instructions we send before your appointment.
5. Connect a few minutes early to make sure everything works and you are ready when your provider joins the session.

Who Should Use Telemedicine?

Telemedicine is an excellent option for patients who:

• Live a busy lifestyle or have difficulty taking time off work
• Have transportation or mobility challenges
• Need regular monitoring of chronic conditions
• Are traveling but want to stay in contact with their regular doctor
• Have mild symptoms and want to avoid unnecessary clinic exposure
• Are post-discharge and require follow-up medical support

What Happens During a Telemedicine Appointment?

Your telemedicine consultation follows a structure similar to an in-person visit:

1. The provider reviews your reason for the visit, your symptoms, and any changes since your last appointment.
2. They may review labs, discuss medication adjustments, and make clinical recommendations.
3. If necessary, your provider will refer you for in-person tests, imaging, or specialty consultation.
4. Prescriptions can be sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy.
5. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and clarify instructions.

Documentation of the visit is saved in your medical chart, just like an office visit, and follow-up steps are clearly communicated.

Technology Requirements

To participate in a video visit, you’ll need:

• A device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, laptop)
• Reliable internet access
• Web browser (Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge recommended)
• Email or text access to receive the secure appointment link

If a video visit isn’t possible, phone consultations are also available in many cases.

Scheduling a Telemedicine Appointment

You can schedule a telemedicine appointment in several ways:

• Call our front desk and request a telemedicine visit
• Book an appointment online through our patient portal
• Ask your provider during a regular visit if a future telemedicine option is appropriate

Once scheduled, you’ll receive all the information you need to prepare for your virtual visit, including a secure link and appointment time.

Common Questions About Telemedicine

• Will my insurance cover a telemedicine visit? — Most insurance plans, including Medicare and many private insurers, cover telemedicine at the same rate as in-person visits. Contact your insurance provider for details.
• Can I get prescriptions via telemedicine? — Yes, your provider can send prescriptions electronically to your pharmacy if it is clinically appropriate.
• Is telemedicine as effective as an in-person visit? — For many concerns, especially chronic conditions and minor acute symptoms, telemedicine is just as effective. If an in-person exam is needed, your provider will arrange it.
• What if I need lab tests or imaging? — Your provider can order any necessary tests and help schedule them at a nearby facility.
• What if I miss my appointment or can’t connect? — Contact our office right away, and we will help you reschedule or troubleshoot any technical issues.

Telemedicine and Continuity of Care

Telemedicine is not a replacement for your healthcare — it’s an extension of it. Whether used occasionally or as part of a regular care plan, virtual visits allow for better communication, earlier intervention, and ongoing support. Our providers aim to integrate telemedicine into your overall health journey, making sure that your needs are addressed whether you are at home, at work, or on the go.

We are here to ensure you have access to compassionate, timely, and personalized medical care — wherever you are. If you’ve never used telemedicine before, we encourage you to try it and experience the benefits for yourself.

To schedule a telemedicine visit or learn more, please contact our office today.