What can be handled by telehealth?
Many visits do not require a hands-on exam. Telehealth often works well for:
- Follow-up visits for long-term conditions
- Medication checks and refill discussions
- Reviewing lab or test results
- Mental health visits for anxiety and depression
- Some rashes and minor skin problems
- Some cold, allergy and urinary symptoms
When do I need to come in person?
Some problems need the doctor to listen to your heart and lungs, examine a joint, run a test or do a procedure. You will likely need an in-person visit for new or severe pain, injuries, ear pain, breathing problems, physicals, vaccines, joint injections and skin biopsies. If Dr. Le decides during a video visit that you need to be seen, we will help you schedule an office visit.
What do I need for a video visit?
You do not need special equipment. To get ready:
- A smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone
- A reliable internet or cell connection
- A quiet, private, well-lit place
- Your medicine list and any home readings, such as blood pressure or blood sugar
Why choose telehealth?
Telehealth can save you a drive, time off work and time in a waiting room. It can be especially helpful for patients in and around Bluefield who live farther from the clinic, have trouble getting around, or are caring for a family member.
It can also make it easier to keep up with regular check-ins for long-term conditions, so small problems are caught before they grow.
How is a video visit different from an office visit?
A video visit works much like an office visit. Dr. Le will ask about your symptoms, review your history and medicines, and talk through a plan with you. The main difference is that he cannot touch or listen to you, so he may ask you to show him the problem on camera, take your own temperature, or share readings from home devices.
If anything suggests you need a closer look, he will let you know and we will set up an in-person visit.
Many patients use a mix of both. For example, you might come in for a yearly exam and lab work, then review results and adjust medicines by video. This keeps your care connected without extra trips to the office.
What to expect at your visit
- Call us to book and ask whether telehealth is right for your concern.
- We send you instructions for joining the video visit.
- Join a few minutes early from a quiet, private place.
- Dr. Le talks with you, and may ask you to show the problem on camera.
- You get a plan, and prescriptions can be sent to your pharmacy if needed.
Common questions about telehealth
Can I get a prescription from a telehealth visit?
Often, yes. If Dr. Le decides a medicine is right for you, he can send the prescription to your pharmacy. Some medicines have special rules, and some problems need an in-person exam before treatment, so he will let you know if that applies.
Is telehealth private?
Telehealth visits use secure video, and your doctor follows the same privacy rules as an office visit. On your end, choose a private space where you can speak freely, and avoid public Wi-Fi if you can.
What if my video connection drops?
If the connection fails, try rejoining the visit first. If it still does not work, call the clinic. We can often finish the visit another way or find you a new time. Moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or switching to cell data can help.
Learn more from trusted sources
This page is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. Talk with Dr. Le about your own care.