What is Telemedicine & Telehealth?
- Telemedicine means a provider delivers medical care remotely (for example, using live video).
- Telehealth is a broader term that includes telemedicine plus remote patient monitoring, education, and other virtual services.
Both let you see and speak with clinicians in real time, share images and test results, and get care plans — all through secure technology.
Types of Care Available by Telehealth
OMC offers virtual care for many services, including:
- Primary and specialty visits (when appropriate)
- Psychiatric counseling and behavioral health follow-up
- Remote monitoring (blood pressure, glucose, weight) with data review by clinicians
- ER triage to help decide where to get care
- Radiology interpretation and test/result review
- Preoperative nursing visits and postoperative monitoring
- Health education (diabetes, smoking cessation, home care instructions)
- Certain subspecialty consults, such as endocrinology
- Social services reviews and care coordination
Telehealth is also used to deliver care from Rochester to OMC branch clinics and participating nursing homes.
Technology Requirements
To take part in an OMC telehealth visit you’ll need:
- A camera-equipped device: smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam
- A stable internet connection (broadband or strong cellular data)
- A modern web browser or the OMC patient portal app (your clinic will tell you which platform to use)
- Speakers and microphone (built in or headset)
- A quiet, private space where you can talk openly with your clinician
If you plan to connect from an OMC clinic or nursing home, staff will set up the equipment for you.
Is Telehealth Right for Me?
Talk to your healthcare provider. Telehealth is a good fit for many follow-ups, medication checks, counseling, remote monitoring, and when travel is a barrier. Some problems (sudden severe pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, major bleeding, or other emergency symptoms) require in-person or emergency care — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
How to Schedule a Telehealth Appointment
- Ask your OMC provider during a visit or call your clinic.
- If your provider recommends telehealth, clinic staff will schedule and send connection details.
- For help with the OMC patient portal or video platform, contact your clinic or OMC patient support.
Benefits of Telemedicine & Telehealth
- Less travel: get care without driving, parking, or long waits.
- Faster access: reach specialists or follow-up care sooner.
- Better coordination: your local OMC clinic or nurse can assist during the visit and share results with your care team.
- Comfort and safety: receive care from home when you are ill or have limited mobility.
- Family involvement: loved ones can join the visit remotely or in person at an OMC clinic.
How a Telehealth Visit Works - What to Expect
- Discuss with your provider. Ask your clinician whether a telehealth visit is appropriate for your need.
- Schedule the visit. Your clinic will schedule the telehealth appointment and tell you how to connect.
- Prepare for the visit. Gather any lists of medicines, symptoms, or photos you want to show the provider. If you need lab work or imaging, your provider will arrange it at an OMC location.
- Join the visit. At the appointment time you’ll connect by secure video. If you’re at a local OMC clinic, a nurse can help with the exam and equipment.
- Follow-up. The clinician will share notes and next steps with you and your care team. If more testing, an in-person exam, or emergency care is needed, they will guide you.
Privacy & Security
Your telehealth visit is secure and confidential. OMC uses encrypted video tools that meet privacy standards. Only the people you authorize (for example, family members) can join your visit. Your telehealth visit becomes part of your medical record just like an in-person visit.
Costs & Insurance
Many insurance plans and Medicare cover telehealth services. Coverage varies by plan and by the type of visit. To check coverage:
- Call the OMC business office at 507.287.2780, or
- Contact your insurance company before the visit.
If your visit is later determined to need immediate emergency care, OMC will not charge you for the virtual visit.
Need Help Getting Set Up?
If you’re not comfortable with technology or need assistance, OMC staff can:
- Help you test your device before the visit
- Walk you through signing into the patient portal
- Arrange to conduct the visit from a local OMC clinic where staff will assist
Questions?
Talk with your healthcare provider about telehealth options. For general questions about telehealth services at OMC, contact your clinic or call OMC Patient Support through the number provided by your local clinic.