Telehealth FAQ’s
Although certain techniques (e.g. manual therapy, electrical stimulation) cannot be performed through a telehealth session, these are only a few, of many, tools used for PT which are often used to supplement exercise. Through video physical therapists can observe how you move, demonstrate movements, provide and coach you through exercises to ensure correct form and identify barriers to function.
How do I make an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by calling our front desk at 443-650-8886 or emailing us at jfishelpt@bluelotusphysicaltherapy.com
What do I need for a telehealth appointment?
All you need for a session is either Firefox or Google Chrome browser with good internet connection, a web camera, and a microphone (Don't worry, most laptops, tablets and other devices already have this equipment built in).
Set up an area in your home prior to your telehealth appointment. You want to make sure that you choose a place with some privacy, and enough space to move around. If possible, try to set up your computer or tablet in a secured position a few feet away from you. This will allow the therapist to get a better view for movement assessment and exercise instruction.
Having a sturdy chair to sit in, or place to lie down (e.g. a bed or yoga mat) can be helpful during assessment and with exercise.
What’s a telehealth session like?
When you make an appointment, you will receive an email from your therapist with a link to his/her virtual “waiting room” for your scheduled appointment time. When you click the link, you will be asked to “check-in” by typing your name, then your therapist will join you at your appointment time to start your session.
At the beginning of your appointment, your therapist will verify your identity and gain consent for the treatment.
If you are a new patient, your session will be 90 minutes and will start with a review of your past medical history, current condition/symptoms and your specific goals. You will then be guided through a functional movement assessment. From there, you will be provided with information regarding your diagnosis, and plan of care (i.e. establishing PT / wellness program providing you with a home exercise program, tips on how to manage and progress towards your goals). Your therapist will demonstrate and guide you through targeted neuro-muscular re-education, therapeutic exercises and/or therapeutic activities. Your home exercise program will be accessible to you via Medbridge secure online platform.
For follow up sessions are either 30 or 60 minutes. You will be instructed on props by your therapist. One of the cool things about telehealth is that you are practicing this in your home. This gives us a great opportunity to use your space creatively to move in!
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothes that will not restrict your movement, and will allow easy access to the part of your body that is being examined such as shorts, tank top, or sports bra.
What if I have technical difficulties?
Things happen. Please arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment, and do a test run to ensure your video and microphone are working. Here are a few tips to some common questions:
5 Tips to have a great call on Doxy.me:1. Restart your computer before your appointment. Other programs or software running may interfere with your video or microphone. Restarting your computer will reset your computer for video.
2. Use fast internet with Ethernet cable. Video quality adapts to internet speed, so the faster your internet connection, the better the video quality you will experience.
3. Use a newer computer with plenty of speed. Sending and receiving video takes a lot of computer power. Old or slow computers will have a harder time processing the video, which can cause choppiness.
4. Use low resolution. If you experience poor quality, try lowering the resolution. By doing this it requires less bandwidth and computer power, resulting in less choppiness during your call.
5. Use headphones. Typically your computer will automatically eliminate echo or audio feedback so you don't hear yourself talking. But if it happens, have the participant and yourself use headphones.
If you have tried the above and are still unable to access your camera or microphone, we will attempt to walk you through troubleshooting via telephone.
Does Insurance cover Telehealth?
Insurance coverage of Telehealth physical therapy services varies widely across individual insurance plans. Some insurance plans may cover this service. Please check with your specific insurance provider.
As a courtesy to our patients, Blue Lotus Physical Therapy will do our best to verify your insurance coverage prior to your appointment. However, due to the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 crisis and nature of individual health insurance plans, we cannot guarantee coverage. It is the patient’s responsibility to check his/her individual coverage.