I’m Technically Challenged: Can Telehealth Work for Me?

With offices in College Park of Orlando, Kissimmee, Waterford Lakes of East Orlando, Davenport/Haines City, Lake Mary, and The Villages, Vascular Vein Centers delivers the best in vascular care for patients across the Central Florida region. 

In addition to providing weekday appointments at six locations — and timely urgent care through our DVT and leg health hotline — we’re pleased to provide convenient, accessible care in the form of virtual telehealth visits, too. 

Here, our board-certified experts explain how telehealth works and offer a few tips to ensure a seamless experience no matter how “technically challenged” you may be. 

Telehealth: From novelty to routine 

Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, was initially used to connect geographically remote patients with distant healthcare providers. Online medical visits became even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought to reduce infection risk.

Today, telehealth appointments offer a fast, convenient way to address a range of medical needs — and a stress-free, at-home option for prompt, comprehensive healthcare when you can’t (or don’t want to) make a trip to the office. 

Virtual vascular care — from anywhere

Telehealth uses live video calls to facilitate virtual healthcare visits. If you have a secure high-speed internet connection, a Wi-Fi-enabled computer, tablet, or smartphone, and a quiet, private space, you have everything you need to take part in a telehealth appointment.

At Vascular Vein Centers, we can use telemedicine to:

• Evaluate leg swelling and skin changes 
• Visualize a slow-healing wound (ulcer) 
• Discuss circulatory symptoms (leg pain)
• Assess varicose veins and spider veins 
• Monitor the progress of a vein treatment 
• Review diagnostic ultrasound test results   
• Assist in compression garment donning 

For vascular conditions that require continued attention, telehealth offers an easy way to access maintenance or follow-up care between in-office appointments. A virtual visit can also establish care quickly — and determine timely next steps — for new vascular issues. 

A telehealth appointment run-down 

Telehealth visits may work through complex online systems and sophisticated technology, but the process is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Your appointment is more likely to go smoothly if you:

• Ensure your device software and internet browser are updated
• Check that your device’s battery is charged
• Keep your device’s charging cable nearby 
• Secure a quiet, private space for your visit 
• Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection

A day before your visit, complete your online registration form (link sent via text or email). On the day of your appointment, you will receive a link to join the telehealth call on a secure online platform. Click on the link a few minutes before your scheduled visit, and you’ll find yourself in our “virtual waiting room” until your doctor joins the call. It’s that simple.      

Troubleshooting telehealth challenges 

The two biggest obstacles to successful telehealth visits are a lack of familiarity with digital devices and software, and an unreliable device or internet connection. If you fall into either of these categories, we have alternative solutions.   

Tech assistance 

If you aren’t sure how to check for software or browser updates before your visit, seek tech assistance from a more knowledgeable friend or family member. Your local library may be a good resource for basic tech support, as well. 

Likewise, if you’re at Vascular Vein Centers for an in-office visit and before you plan a follow-up telehealth appointment, our team is happy to answer any tech questions you may have. 

Community resources

If you don’t have reliable home Wi-Fi, you may be able to book a free, private room at your local library or community center that has internet access. Just be sure you know how to log in to their network prior to your appointment time.   

Audio-only calls

If your telehealth appointment doesn’t require our team to carry out a visual evaluation — such as when we’re just discussing test results — we can conduct the visit over the phone.     

Ready to learn more about telehealth? Contact Vascular Vein Centers in College Park of Orlando, Kissimmee, Waterford Lakes of East Orlando, Davenport/Haines City, Lake Mary, or The Villages, Florida, today.