By: Mariela Salgado
We are still in a pandemic, so by now, you know that most clinics are on an appointment basis only, whether you want to be seen in person or virtually. Most acute and sick visits (medical appointments that focus on an illness and are intended to be quick and to the point) such as sore throat, rash, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and more can be done virtually with your phone, tablet, or laptop. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, body aches, headaches, and more, a virtual visit will be required by any clinic.
Women can quickly receive family planning counseling, contraception, prenatal care, menopause care, and more via a virtual appointment with an OB/GYN or women’s provider. Can a chronic disease such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure be taken care of at home virtually? Yes, it can be taken care of by your medical provider with a few simple tools. So what do you need at home?
- Mobile phone, tablet, or laptop
- Thermometer (digital thermometers are best)
- Blood pressure monitor
- Glucometer testing kit (Diabetes testing kit with testing strips and gauge lancets)
- Pulse oximeter
- Weight scale
All of these medical tools can be found online or in a store near you. Most importantly, they will help you stay on track with your health and provide your medical provider with useful information regarding your wellbeing.
