Telehealth appointments are a way to meet with your medical provider virtually, using technology such as a smartphone, computer or tablet. These virtual healthcare visits gained momentum during COVID-19, where most non-emergency medical appointments were conducted via telehealth. Today, Vail Health Behavioral Health, Colorado Mountain Medical and Shaw Cancer Center professionals continue to virtually meet with their patients, both existing and new, on a regular basis, adding convenience and accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Elida (Ellie) Benitez and Eva Kolb are both psychiatrists at Vail Health Behavioral Health, and they ensure the practice values patient privacy, comfortability and confidentiality. Benitez, Kolb and any provider at Vail Health prioritize patient trust. Although you are meeting with your provider over a screen, your team is working just as hard as they would in-person to facilitate an effective care experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI take a patient-centered approach that includes time to explore details of my patient\u2019s concerns, with a goal of meeting each patient where they are at,\u201d Benitez says. \u201cI utilize evidence-based medicine, and I enjoy teaching my patients about their conditions and treatment options in an effort to guide shared decision making. I think it\u2019s important for patients to feel empowered to take an active part in their treatment and to feel comfortable asking questions about their care.\u201d
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Kolb emphasizes that your provider takes the time to prepare for your session in advance. She wants you to know that you are the \u201cdriver\u201d in all appointments and that your provider is present and appreciates you taking the time out of your busy life to prioritize your health. \u201cI view our work together as a partnership, where I guide and provide my expertise to help,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where you choose to have your telehealth appointment is just as important, if not more important, as when you choose to have your appointment. Pick a place with limited distractions where you can remain for the entirety of your appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWithout privacy, it is very difficult to create rapport and trust,\u201d Kolb says. \u201cPatients should feel that they can discuss any topic during appointments without worrying that someone else could be listening to the conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do the following to elevate your privacy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking additional steps before your virtual healthcare visit, whether this is days or minutes prior, can help you feel more confident, focused, connected and ready to begin. Consider the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are a parent or caregiver to a minor, senior citizen or patient with special needs, there are many additional things that you can do to improve your loved one\u2019s telehealth experience. Begin to implement these telehealth appointment tips a few days before the appointment to reduce overwhelming conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is very common to feel uneasy before any doctor\u2019s appointment in general. Remember, just like in-person visits, your provider is committed to supporting you and guiding you towards your highest potential and health. Be open and honest with your physician and ask questions, so you can directly address your feelings and you feel supported moving forward with further telehealth visits.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Telehealth appointments are a way to meet with your medical provider virtually, using technology such as a smartphone, computer or tablet. These virtual healthcare visits gained momentum during COVID-19, where most non-emergency medical appointments were conducted via telehealth. Today, Vail Health Behavioral Health, Colorado Mountain Medical and Shaw Cancer Center professionals continue to virtually meet…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6594,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[234,242,6,250],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6582","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cancer-care","category-health-wellness","category-mental-health","category-telehealth"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n