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EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region Telemedicine Offerings

While virtual visits are beneficial during the current climate, telemedicine is not new to our Triangle Region practices. We have been offering orthopedic telemedicine for quite some time, and with great success. Many of the same services you receive during an in-person appointment can take place over a telemedicine visit, which include:

Joint replacement consultations
Follow-up visits (including many post-surgical appointments)
Virtual diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions
Treatment options for select orthopedic-related injuries and conditions
Physical therapy treatment, recommendations, and follow-up consultations

In order to provide telemedicine services, you will need to use one of the following to effectively communicate with your orthopedic doctor:

Smartphone (cell/mobile phone)
iPod (or similar smart device) with camera
iPad (or similar tablet) with camera
Laptop with Camera

It is also important to make sure you have a decent-to-strong internet connection that is compatible with either Chrome or Safari Browser.

Helping You Prepare for Your Virtual Visit

Click on one of the following telemedicine platforms for step-by-step instructions to prepare for your virtual visit.

Google Duo

To Install Duo on your phone:

Go to the google Play Store
Search for “google Duo”
Click “Install” then “Open” once it is loaded
Once Duo opens, answer the following questions:
- Agree to privacy
- Give access to microphone
- Allow access to contacts (or not), whichever is your preference
- Allow to make calls
- Set up with your phone number (this will send you a text message to verify your phone number)
  - Click “Agree”
  - Type the verification code sent to your phone via text

iPhone/FaceTime

If you have not used FaceTime on your device before, follow these instructions:

Open the FaceTime app
Sign in with your Apple ID
- FaceTime is automatically linked to your phone number for iPhone users.

Doxy.me

How to Check In for Your Doxy Appointment
iPhone Instruction
Android Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have never tried telehealth or telemed virtual visits for healthcare, you may have questions. Below, you will find a list of FAQs and answers. If you have a question that you do not see listed below, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Which Issues Cannot be Addressed Through Telemedicine?

Although our physicians can address numerous orthopedic-related issues remotely, there are a few types of visits that cannot be performed via telemedicine, which include:

Viscosupplementation injections
Trigger-point injections
Cortisone injections
Pre-op consultations
In-house procedures
Cast changes
Fracture care

There may be other types of orthopedic visits that are not suitable for a virtual visit. Simply reach out to an EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region team member if you are unsure about whether a specific type of visit can be conducted via telehealth.

What Type of Patient Privacy Guidelines Are in Place?

While many regulatory barriers that existed prior to COVID-19 have been temporarily paused, making telemedicine more accessible to providers and patients, privacy is still strictly enforced. HIPAA compliance allows for the use of telemedicine on smart devices; however, it prohibits the use of “public-facing” platforms (Facebook Live, Twitch, TikTok, etc.).

As always, our EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region doctors and staff are committed to your privacy, ensuring that your information remains protected.

Will my Telemedicine Visit Be Covered by Insurance?

In light of the current health guidelines intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19, many insurance carriers are reimbursing telemedicine visits. It is always wise to contact your insurance provider prior to scheduling medical services (including telemedicine appointments) to confirm coverage. Medicare patients should click here to learn their telehealth services coverage.

What if I Need Emergency Orthopedic Care?

All of our Triangle Region Urgent Care locations remain open to address emergency orthopedic injuries and conditions that cannot be treated via telehealth such as sprains, strains, fractures, and infections. During this time, we continue to go above and beyond the CDC recommendations for screenings, decontamination, and other health and safety precautions to

minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

Schedule Your Telemedicine Appointment

Thankfully, many musculoskeletal issues can be addressed using telemedicine. If you would like to see whether your orthopedic injury or condition can be evaluated through a virtual visit in real time or an online PT session, start the scheduling process now. Or, call us now at 984.666.2201.