Put simply, Telehealth and Telemedicine use smartphones, computers, tablets, telephones, email, text messaging, and other technology to connect the patient and provider who are in two separate locations, allowing for diagnosis and treatment of many illnesses and conditions. It also allows for wellness checks, coaching, and education on preventative measures, etc., while maintaining confidentiality and privacy as if you were in a provider’s office.
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According to the State of Alaska DHHS webpage: Telehealth in Alaska & Telemedicine, “Telemedicine refers to the practice of caring for a patient when the patient and provider are not physically together. It allows healthcare providers to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients using technology such as video conferencing and smartphones without the need for an in-person visit. The term telemedicine refers specifically to remote clinical services. Telehealth is a broader term that includes telemedicine, but can also refer to non-clinical services like using technology for preventative, educational, and health-related administrative activities.”

Quality of care:
Many studies have shown that Telemedicine delivers the same quality of care that you get in-person, with increased satisfaction by both patients and providers.
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It’s convenient:
You can be evaluated in your own town or home, and save yourself both time and travel expenses by using telehealth. Whether you are too sick to travel, don’t have child care or a ride, you can be evaluated and treated right where you are.
Less down time: You don’t have to miss (as much) work or school to be seen via Telehealth. You can spend your time recovering instead of traveling back and forth, sitting in waiting rooms.
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Avoid Complications:
You may be able to get care sooner, thus reducing the risk of complications by avoiding worsening illness…ultimately saving you money.

Yes. You are definitely encouraged to have a primary provider. Telehealth is not intended to replace your primary provider, but to be used in conjunction with, and to supplement their care. Sometimes, you just don’t have time to wait a week or two for an appointment, or can’t take the time—or are unable--to leave work or school. With Telehealth, you can often be seen same day, and in 15-30 minutes be finished with your appointment and back to whatever else you need to do. Once you have signed a Release of Information, your records can be sent to your primary provider so they are up-to-date on the care you have received.

The same rules apply to Telemedicine as if you were in a brick-and-mortar clinic. Patient confidentiality is ensured through our HIPAA compliant EHR and video/telephone/secure messaging services available through the patient portal. Please see our privacy policy for more details.

It’s expensive. Billing insurance increases your cost and the provider’s; both financially, and in time spent coding and documenting so the insurance companies will reimburse for the visit.

At Turnagain Telehealth, the visit price is low—about the same as an insurance co-pay--but goes directly to the provider who sees you instead of the middle-man, who may or may not reimburse for the visit. This way we can keep our costs low and pass the savings on to you. We are happy to code your receipts so you can submit the claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.
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Our providers are not associated/credentialed/enrolled with Medicare or Medicaid and are therefore unable to see Medicare/Medicaid patients/beneficiaries even if they have other insurance, or are willing to pay out-of-pocket for this service.