Allergy, Asthma & Food Allergy Centers has been using the doxy.me platform for telemedicine visits since Thursday, March 19, 2020, and this has worked very well for patients unable to come to one of our physical locations (Swansea, Illinois; Bloomsdale/Ste. Genevieve, Missouri; South County/Sunset Hills, MO; and West County/Chesterfield, MO).
Telemedicine Frequently Asked Questions:
- How does telemedicine work?
- A staff member will call you in the morning on the day of your scheduled appointment to collect insurance information and copays.
- You will receive a text in most cases (an email if you cannot receive texts or prefer to do the visit using a computer/laptop/tablet) with a link from doxy.me. You can watch a brief instructional video here and/or review this document.
- Open the link through your phone or use Chrome browser when on a computer/laptop. You will need a strong internet connection and will need to give permission for the website to use your camera and microphone.
- Sign in with the patient’s first and last name and click the “Check In” box, which will place you in the virtual waiting room. You can also review the telemedicine consent and test your connection while in the waiting room.
- Once the visit has started, your provider will be able to see you, and you will be able to see them. Your provider may not always be looking at the camera, because they will have another screen open with your medical record so they can document and review your information. Please be assured that if the provider looks away, they are not being distracted from the visit, and your medical care is their sole focus during your appointment.
- Do I need to download any program or application?
- No, because the doxy.me platform is web-based, you can access it from a browser on an internet connected device.
- What type of device do I need?
- You need an internet connected smartphone, tablet, computer, or laptop that has a camera and microphone. You will have to give the camera and microphone permission to access your web browser, which you should be able to do in the settings of your device, and we recommend you confirm this before your appointment.
- What else should I do to prepare for the visit?
- If you have a thermometer, please take your temperature before the visit to let the provider know so they can document it in your chart.
- Please take your pulse manually (instructions here) or with an apple watch, fitbit, or other device before the visit and let your provider know so they can document it in your chart.
- You can also review the telemedicine consent form here.
- Is the telemedicine visit secure?
- Yes, the doxy.me telemedicine platform is secure and HIPAA compliant.
- What if I do not receive a text or an email?
- If it is 5 minutes past your scheduled appointment and you have not received a text or email, please call our office.
- Is telemedicine more expensive than an office visit?
- No, you will have the same copay as you would with an in person office visit, but you do not have to leave the comfort of your home.
- What if my primary allergist is not available for a telemedicine visit?
- Do not worry! Our fantastic advanced practice providers, Lauren Davis, PA-C, Laura Kahle, PA-C, or Dani Loftus, FNP-BC can see you if your primary allergist is not available.