Physical Therapy Telemedicine?

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What is Telemedicine or Telehealth?

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, injuries are still happening. Your kids are at home all day. They get bored, they get creative. They slide down the stairs in a laundry basket and…. Well, you get the picture. Kids will be kids, and sometimes get hurt. But what if they are doing virtual school and leave computer cords running across the kitchen? This could be quite the catastrophe if an unassuming party were to walk through and snag that cord in the dark!

Home “COVID-19 Catastrophes” may require a doctor. But going to a Doctor’s office or Emergency Department may increase the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Telemedicine may be the answer.

Physical Therapy Telemedicine

Physical Therapy Telemedicine or telehealth is the use of a phone, tablet, or computer to connect with a therapist. Telehealth is still relatively new in the healthcare system but the world was propelled quickly in to the world of virtual healthcare by the COVID-19 Pandemic.  

The Department of Health and Human Services relaxed some of the rules restricting telemedicine. They now allow continued care with less exposure risk. As of now, these regulations are only relaxed during the Coronavirus Public Health Crisis. But, this allows healthcare providers to provide services with less need for leaving home. This is especially important for those who are at higher risk for issues related to the Coronavirus. The risk factors for Physical Therapy Telemedicine are: 

• Individuals 65 years and older.
• Individuals living in a retirement home. 
• Diabetes.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Individuals with chronic lung issues or severe asthma. 
• People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher).
• Multiple medical issues.

Physical Therapist seeing patient through Telehealth.

Can I Go To Physical Therapy by Telemedicine or Telehealth?

YES! Due to the COVID-19 crisis, many patients are not able to attend therapy sessions in an outpatient rehabilitation center. Physical Therapy Telemedicine allows patients to continue to receive care during this public health emergency.

Patients can use applications, such as ZOOM, to connect with their therapist. This allows patients to connect with their therapist from home. They can review exercise technique and progress the plan of care.  

JOI Bridge Program

Did you know that our physical and occupational therapists will come to you, too? JOI has a new bridge program that gives patients the option to stay at home, avoid contamination, and continue therapy. Your therapist will come directly to you and treat you just as they would in one of our rehabilitation centers. All of your co-pays and other costs will remain exactly the same. 

For more information on the JOI Bridge program and how to stay safe during the COVID outbreak, please read more here.

JOI ASAP Fracture Care

In an effort to make our physicians more accessible during this time, JOI has now started an ASAP acute injury/fracture care service. This allows patients all over Jacksonville and North Florida to use a JOI physician if they happen to break a bone or have a serious injury. Using our ASAP fracture and injury services can you a trip to the ER.  Of course for severe trauma or accidents, you should still go to the nearest ER. 

To book an appointment with your JOI Rehab physical therapist, please call (904)858-7045 or click on the banner below.