Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care and involves condition flares. Telemedicine may be a good option for some people with Crohn’s.
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract. Symptoms can include stomach pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. It’s not curable, but symptoms can go into remission.
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive system, can diagnose and treat Crohn’s disease. Scheduling ongoing follow-up appointments with your gastroenterologist can help monitor the condition and control flares.
Many doctors, including gastroenterologists, offer telemedicine. This is a type of virtual visit that may include, video conferencing, phone calls, text messaging, and online portals. You can usually have your telemedicine or telehealth appointment using your phone or computer.
Here’s how to manage Crohn’s disease with telemedicine and how to make the most of your appointments.
Managing Crohn’s disease with telemedicine is similar to managing the disease through in-person visits. You can use virtual appointments to discuss symptoms, flares, and your overall health with your doctor.
You can contact your doctor’s office to set up a telemedicine visit or schedule appointments via an online portal (if available). These portals can also provide information about past visits and test results.
During a telemedicine visit, your doctor can review your medical chart, answer your questions, and write prescriptions.
The cost of a telemedicine visit will vary based on your insurance coverage. Before scheduling a virtual appointment, contact your insurance provider to confirm your out-of-pocket costs. If you’re covered for these types of visits, your copay might be the same as an in-person copay.
On the day of your appointment, keep your insurance card and a debit or credit card for your copay nearby.
Prepare in advance by writing a list of all medications you’re currently taking and any questions or concerns you have.
Your doctor may ask you to take your own vitals before the appointment. This may include weighing yourself and taking your blood pressure if you have the equipment to do that at home.
To get the most out of a virtual appointment with your gastroenterologist, choose a quiet, private location with good internet access. If possible, wear headphones during your appointment. This can make it easier to hear and communicate with your doctor. Using headphones or earbuds can also ensure your doctor’s comments remain private and confidential.
Be prepared to take notes during your appointment. If possible, log on a few minutes early to give yourself time to troubleshoot in case you experience any technical problems. You might need to download software for the appointment, so it’s a good idea to try to connect early.
Telemedicine can be an option for follow-up when Crohn’s disease is stable.
Individuals with Crohn’s often require many, frequent follow-up visits, especially during flares, and tele-visits are a way to reduce the time and cost of these frequent visits.
Virtual appointments offer many benefits. You can speak with your doctor from anywhere, such as at home or work. As long as you have a private location where others cannot overhear your appointment.
This is convenient because you don’t have to leave work or home and drive to your doctor’s office. If you have children, depending on the age of your children, you may not need to arrange child care.
Aside from telemedicine fitting easily into your schedule, another benefit of telemedicine is the ability to schedule appointments without risking exposure to illnesses that can sometimes happen when sitting in waiting rooms.
It’s also easy to ask a loved one to join in, ask questions, and take notes on your behalf. Some doctor offices may have policies regarding who can sit in with you during an in-person or telemedicine checkup.
Not every Crohn’s checkup can be virtual.
If you’re newly diagnosed or you’re having trouble managing Crohn’s disease, you likely need an in-person assessment with your doctor or healthcare professional.
You’ll also need to schedule in-person appointments for all lab work and imaging tests.
If you don’t feel comfortable using technology or don’t have access to a reliable phone or internet connection, a telehealth visit may not be the best option for you. You may also have concerns about sharing your health information electronically.
If your health insurance doesn’t cover telemedicine visits, a virtual appointment can result in added out-of-pocket costs.
Even though telemedicine is an option for managing Crohn’s disease, it isn’t an option for everyone.
If you’re meeting with a gastroenterologist for the first time, or if you’re recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, your doctor may require in-person visits to establish care.
If you’re having trouble managing your symptoms, your doctor may also want to see you in their office.
In-person visits are necessary when your doctor needs to conduct a physical examination, lab work, or imaging tests.
Your doctor might also request an in-person visit if your symptoms start to worsen or aren’t responding to medication.
Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition that has periods of remission and recurrent flares. Checking in regularly with your doctor is an essential part of managing your condition and its symptoms.
When Crohn’s disease is well-managed, telemedicine provides a great option for staying on top of routine care. If you’re newly diagnosed or having trouble managing your symptoms, your gastroenterologist may require an in-person visit.
Work with your doctor to determine which checkups can be done through telemedicine and which need to be scheduled as in-person visits.