Telehealth

Telehealth and telemedicine both describe a way to deliver and get healthcare from a distance using telecommunications technology (audio and video). Nurses or clinical support staff will facilitate your telehealth visit with a specialist, increasing access and reducing travel time and costs, particularly for people in rural and remote areas.

• Travel to distant specialists is not necessary, saving time and money
• Less time off of work, no need to take whole days off to see a specialist
• Timely, convenient access to specialist
• More specialty care available locally
• Ability to have more frequent follow-ups
• Overall, able to get the best care with the least inconvenience

Telehealth is available at the following locations:

Seneca

BHS Medical Suites
2 Park Way
Seneca Commons
Seneca, PA 16346

Ford City

432 3^rd Avenue
Ford City, PA 16226

You don’t need to worry, we will handle all the technical aspects of the visit. You just need to arrive for your appointment time and a nurse or clinical support staff will be with you throughout your visit, connecting you to the specialist.

The facility where you will receive your telehealth visit will have all the equipment necessary for you to have a complete visit with the specialist. The telehealth equipment uses a high end video computer that allows both the patient and specialist to have a live interaction over video versus in person. The specialist may even use special equipment, such as a digital stethoscope, so he can hear heart and lung sounds.

Seneca Location:

• Electrophysiology
• Endocrinology follow up visits
• ​Infectious Disease for Hep C
• Neurosurgery
• Palliative Care
• Pulmonary

Ford City Location:

• Electrophysiology
• Endocrinology follow up visits
• Infectious Disease for Hep C
• Pulmonary

Prior to your visit, the specialist will have access to your medical records including testing and reports that will be discussed during your visit. Before the telehealth visit begins, the nurse or clinical support staff will perform an initial assessment and interview to create a smooth visit and satisfying experience. The telehealth connection between you and your doctor will focus on your clinical needs, education and questions to work together towards a treatment plan.

The use of telehealth is a substitute for an in person encounter. Similar to having an in-person specialist visit, a copay will be collected at the location of your telehealth visit by the office staff. Depending on your insurance, your health insurer may bill you if they require you to pay a dollar amount, or a deductible, before your health plan begins to pay for covered medical expenses. You should always call your insurance and verify what your individual policy covers and understand your financial obligation.

Many insurances provide coverage for telehealth visits. Prior to scheduling your telehealth appointment, your PCP office will call your insurance and confirm that your insurance plan provides coverage for telehealth visits.

The scheduling process can vary from provider to provider. Check with your primary care physician and they can help you schedule a visit with a specialist over telehealth. They will have educational materials and instructions to help your telehealth visit be convenient and a positive experience.