GRMC Introduces Telehealth

GRMC Introduces Telehealth
New Option for Visiting Your Doctor Remotely

(Wednesday, March 25, 2020; Dededo, Guam) Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) announces the introduction of a new Telehealth option that allows patients and providers to meet remotely for appointments and other medical needs. The introduction of GRMC’s Telehealth program comes at a good time with so many of the community sheltering at home during the COVID-19 self-quarantine period. Using Telehealth, patients will still be able to interact with their doctor or specialist without needing to meet face-to-face.

Telehealth will be treated like a regular visit but conducted over the internet using a computer, smartphone, tablet or other compatible interactive audio and video telecommunication device. Currently, patients with existing appointments are being contacted three days prior by Medical Assistants (MA) and advised of the new Telehealth option.

Patients who do not have the internet have the option of a telephone visit. Patients are asked to contact the appropriate Specialty Services department ten minutes prior to their appointment. The MA will connect the call with the doctor.

Coverage for both Telehealth and telephone visits vary by insurance company. For Medicare patients, the co-payment for Telehealth visits is waived, however, co-payments and/or deductibles still apply to telephone visits. Patients with health insurance are advised to contact their health insurance directly for guidance before taking advantage of these new services.

The purpose of GRMC’s Telehealth program is to reduce the need for physical contact while continuing to provide excellent healthcare during the COVID-19 emergency. The program was originally introduced at GRMC to make doctor visits easier for patients with mobility issues, transportation problems, etc. and will continue to be used for that purpose after the COVID-19 crisis.