When you’re under care for cardiovascular issues, especially if you have a chronic condition such as high blood pressure, you may not be able to make all of the appointments you need to ensure that your care continues to be appropriate. However, you could also have questions or concerns about your situation that can’t be answered by an internet search.
During the pandemic, telehealth appointments increased by 154% in the United States (U.S.) in 2020 compared with the same week in 2019. Since the decline of COVID-19 infections, patients and doctors have continued to use virtual medicine as an easy way to communicate and deliver care, particularly for chronic conditions.
Whether you’re a new patient or an existing patient, you may benefit from virtual cardiology appointments. Telehealth is particularly useful when you’re dealing with stressful conditions, such as:
When you can’t make it to our office in Rosedale, Queens, New York, you can still discuss your condition and concerns with our expert cardiologist, Dr. Ola Akinboboye. While you would need to come in for examinations and tests, much of the rest of your care might be accomplished with virtual cardiology appointments.
So how does virtual cardiology work? Here’s how to manage your heart health from home.
As medical devices become more sensitive and more compact, many of the tests that once required a doctor’s office to perform can now be done at home. In fact, several types of portable electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) devices exist that you could administer yourself.
For some of the ECGs, we send a device to your home, where you wear it and share the results with us before returning it. However, in some cases, you may be able to use a leadless patch that collects data.
Even some “smart” consumer devices, such as rings, bracelets, and apps that monitor your heart rate and other biometrics, can help us (and you) keep track of your cardiac health. A number of these reasonably priced devices are available.
You can easily share your data with us. If Dr. Akinboboye detects an anomaly, he can contact your pharmacist to adjust your prescription, schedule a consultation, order additional tests, or arrange an in-person appointment.
Other apps can help you adopt some of the new habits you need to keep your heart healthy. Some guide you toward a healthier diet. Others teach you stress-relieving activities, such as meditation or breathwork.
It’s pretty easy to take a pill that your cardiologist prescribed for hypertension, high cholesterol, or other health issues. What’s harder is making lifestyle changes that could resolve or improve your current heart health.
Dr. Akinboboye is firmly committed to helping his patients with lifestyle changes first. He only prescribes medications when necessary. But when you need to alter your diet and the way you move throughout the day, you may resist. Our habits are deeply entrenched and often associated with comfort and culture.
In fact, when you first start to eat fresh, healthy foods and add more exercise into your daily routine, you may need a lot of support. Especially if those around you resist the changes, too.
In such cases, telehealth is a great way to feel a team behind you, helping you through the rough spots. Without having to jump in your car for an appointment, you can discuss your questions and concerns with our medical experts online as you make profound changes to your lifestyle.
Under New York law, health insurers must reimburse at the same rate for a telehealth appointment as for an in-person consultation. However, it’s always best to check with your provider at first so that you’re not surprised by an unexpected bill.
Also, if you move out of state but want to continue care with Dr. Akinboboye, you must contact your local insurer to learn about their policies and local laws.
Are you ready to add virtual cardiology to your heart health care? Give us a call at 718-208-4816 or fill out our online outreach form for a virtual cardiology consultation today.
