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COVID-19

(CORONAVIRUS DISEASE)

TELEHEALTH ENCOUNTERS

Pacific Heart Institute is dedicated to the health and well-being of our patients and staff. To accommodate the high patient volume and follow the CDC's recommendation of social distancing, we are now offering Telehealth Encounters. For more information, please call our office at (310) 829 - 7678 to inquire about your provider's telehealth availability.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Call Pacific Heart Institute at 310-829-7678 and ask for your provider's assistant.

  2. After scheduling a Telehealth Encounter, you will receive a confirmation via MyChart or email including a link and meeting ID number.

    • If you do not have a MyChart account, please inform your provider's assistant.

  3. Download the "Zoom Cloud Meetings" app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Though making an account is optional, simply downloading the app is mandatory in order for the video chat to load. 

  4. The morning of your Telehealth Encounter, a member of our staff will call to confirm your appointment. They will check you in as if it is an in-clinic appointment. At this time, they will ask for updates to your demographic information and collect co-pays.

    • You may pay your co-pay using a credit or debit card via phone, or a bill can be sent to your address. 

    • For Medicare patients, they will ask the legally mandated MSP questions.

  5. An hour before your appointment, one of our Medical Assistants will call to collect your vitals. 

    • If you have a personal blood pressure machine, please check your blood pressure and heart rate in order to report them. 

    • Please also have your medication list ready to go over any changes.

  6. 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time, please click on the link included in the MyChart or email confirmation. If you choose to make an account, you can also join by inputting the Meeting ID number. 

  7. After clicking the link or inputing the Meeting ID number, you'll be added to a virtual waiting room

  8. When your provider is ready, they will join the video conference. 

Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is Zoom?

A: A video communication platform used for telehealth services by Providence Saint Joseph Health.

 

Q: Is it free?

A: Downloading and using the app is free. Telehealth encounters will be billed by insurance.

 

Q: How does a telehealth encounter work?

A: You will receive an email confirmation from the office that includes the link and meeting ID number. Prior to your appointment, please download the Zoom app. Though making an account is optional, simply downloading the app is mandatory in order for the video chat to load. Simply click on the link from our email confirmation when you are ready for your appointment. If you choose to make an account, you can also join by inputting the Meeting ID number.  

Q: How do I download the app?

A: The app is available on both Apple and Google Play platforms.

For Apple users, find the App Store icon on your device. Please note, you will need your Apple ID and password to confirm download. Type "Zoom" into the search bar. Download the app for ZOOM Cloud Meetings. OR visit https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id546505307 

 

For Google devices, please go to Google Play and search "Zoom Cloud Meetings." Click "Install," then "Open" when it is downloaded. OR visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.zoom.videomeetings

Q: How is my insurance billed?

A: Your insurance will be billed as if it was a normal, in-person office visit.

You may be subject to your traditional copay for a Specialty Office Visit. You may receive a bill if you have not met your annual deductible. For more information on the details of your financial responsibility, please contact your insurance customer service. 

 

Q: What do I need for a telehealth encounter?

A: You will need a phone or tablet with video and audio capabilities. Your electronic device of choice must be connected to Wifi or use cellular data. Please download the Zoom app from the App Store. Though making a Zoom account is optional, simply downloading the app is mandatory for the video chat to load. 

 

If you have a blood pressure machine, please check your blood pressure and heart rate in order to report them your provider. Please also have your medication list ready to go over any changes.    

 

Q: How do I schedule?

A: Please call Pacific Heart Institute at 310-829-7678, and ask for your provider's assistant to set up an appointment. 

 

Q: How do I start the telehealth encounter?

A: Please refer to the email confirmation sent by our office. Please have your device ready and simply click on the link for it to open using the Zoom app. If you have opted to create an account, you can also input the Meeting ID included in the email. We recommend doing so ten to fifteen minutes before your scheduled time to allow for technical difficulties. Should a problem arise while setting up your electronic device, please call our office at 310-829-7678.

 

Q: Why can't I just have a phone consultation?

A: For a telehealth encounter, insurance companies mandate a video component.

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