Frequently Asked Questions

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is a new program offered by Baptist Health Home Health Network.

The Telehealth program is a daily monitoring program where a health monitor is installed in the patient's home. Each day, the Telehealth monitor reminds the patient to take vital measurements, prescribed by their personal physician. These daily measurements are transmitted by the patient's phone to the Baptist Health Home Health office where they are reviewed daily by a Telehealth nurse. This system enables the home health nurses to watch over their patient's medical condition every day.

What type of medical condition would benefit most from Telehealth?

Any condition where health management is difficult. Examples include: Heart Failure, Diabetes, Lung Problems, High Risk Pregnancies, etc.

What does Telehealth monitor?

Telehealth monitors the following:

Blood pressure
Pulse
Temperature
Weight
Blood Sugar Levels
Blood Oxygen Levels
3 Lead Cardiogram

How does Telehealth benefit me?

Telehealth will help you to better manage your medical condition by reminding you to take vital measurements and/ or medications daily, or as many times as your personal physician orders.

Telehealth nurses will monitor you daily, keeping track of any changes in your condition in order to respond quickly to those changes, keeping you out of the hospital or the emergency room.

Telehealth will help you to better understand your condition enabling you to anticipate any changes in your health.

Is Telehealth easy to use?

Yes, the monitor gives easy, step by step instructions where the patient simply uses the touch screen after listening to simple prompts.

How often is someone looking at my data?

Telehealth nurses review your incoming data every day, 365 days a year.

Is the Telehealth program used in place of home health nursing visits?

No, patients in the Telehealth program continue to receive home health visits and services as they normally would.

Will the Telehealth machine tie up my phone line?

The Telehealth device uses your phone line to dial a toll-free number. The total amount of time the device uses your phone is 1 to 3 minutes every eight hours.

Will the Telehealth dial-ins appear on my phone bill?

The dial-ins will appear on your phone bill call detail as a call to a toll-free 1-800 number.

How much computer experience is necessary to be able to use the Telehealth monitor?

No computer experience is necessary. The monitor is very easy to use and the Home Health staff provides instructions and demonstrations.

Do I have access to my measurements?

Yes, as soon as each measurement is taken, it will appear on the screen and the automated voice will announce it.

Can my physician access my measurements? What about family members?

Yes, by signing an authorization form, you can give your physician, any clinician, or any family member permission to access your personal health information on a secure website.

What are the goals of Telehealth?

The goals of Telehealth are:

To identify medical issues promptly in order to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
To improve the patient s ability to self-manage their disease and recognize symptoms of any changes in healthcare status.
To improve the patient s quality of life.
To function as the eyes and ears of the patient's clinician.

Baptist Health Home Health Network: The Care of Experts... The Comfort of Home