- Across the country, Americansare being told to stay home

and practice social distancing.

But what happens if youneed to see a doctor?

The answer is telemedicine.

- In a crisis such asCOVID-19, our goal is to really

benefit the public to decreasethe risk of infection.

And telemedicine is a perfectopportunity to do that.

- [Caitlin] Telemedicinegives patients the opportunity

to meet with theirhealthcare provider virtually

via video, phone, or text.

The federal governmenthas already expanded

telemedicine optionsfor those on Medicare.

- What's really important about this

is that the federal governmentis now recognizing the fact

that the risk to our seniorsof taking an in person visit

with their doctor is pretty high,

and by limiting the telehealth benefits,

we may contribute to the problem.

- [Caitlin] Telemedicinecan be used for things

that would typically sendyou to the doctor's office,

like bronchitis, sinus infections,and prescription refills.

It can also be effectivein keeping patients

who believe they may have COVID-19

out of emergency rooms or doctor's offices

where they can spread the virus to others.

- Right now, our most common visit

is upper respiratoryinfection, which is you know,

common cold, sinusitis, fever, cough.

A lot of these symptoms are

the same symptoms you see with COVID.

- [Caitlin] Telemedicine practitioners say

they're still able to cometo an accurate diagnosis

by taking a patient's history,

and taking advantage of someother useful medical tricks.

- While I might not be ableto listen to someone's lungs,

I could actually look attheir respiratory pattern

if they're actually breathing fast.

We could actually have the patient

take their own heart rate.

- [Caitlin] Medicalproviders around the country

are now transitioning to telemedicine,

and insurance companieslike Anthem and Cigna

are waving patient copaysfor virtual appointments.

Caitlin Burke, CBN News.