Healthcare That Can Meet You Where You Are

Sometimes getting to the health center isn’t convenient—or necessary.

Telehealth gives eligible Eastern Iowa Health Center patients another way to connect with their healthcare provider. Using a smartphone, tablet or computer, you can talk with your provider virtually from home or another private location.

Not every healthcare need can be handled through telehealth. Our team can help determine whether a virtual appointment is appropriate for your needs or whether you should be seen in person.

Call 319.730.7300 to ask about scheduling a telehealth appointment.

What Is a Telehealth Appointment?

A telehealth appointment is a healthcare visit conducted virtually instead of at one of our health centers.

Using a secure video connection, you can see and speak directly with your healthcare provider. Your provider can discuss your symptoms or concerns, review medications, answer questions and determine appropriate next steps for your care.

Depending on your healthcare needs, your provider may recommend an in-person visit for an examination, testing, treatment or additional care.

What Do I Need for a Telehealth Visit?

To participate in a video telehealth appointment, you will generally need:

• A smartphone, tablet or computer

• A working camera and microphone

• A reliable internet connection

• Access to the email address or mobile phone number associated with your appointment

• A private location where you feel comfortable discussing your healthcare

Our team will provide instructions for connecting to your appointment.

How Does a Telehealth Appointment Work?

When you schedule your appointment, make sure Eastern Iowa Health Center has your current mobile phone number and email address.

Before your scheduled visit, you will receive instructions for joining your telehealth appointment.

A few minutes before your appointment:

1. Find a quiet, private place for your visit.

2. Make sure your device is charged or connected to power.

3. Check that your internet connection, camera and microphone are working.

4. Follow the link and instructions provided by Eastern Iowa Health Center.

5. Be ready to give your provider your full attention, just as you would during an in-person appointment.

Never participate in a telehealth appointment while driving.

How Should I Prepare?

Preparing ahead can help you get the most from your virtual appointment.

Before your visit, consider having:

• A current list of medications and supplements

• Your pharmacy information

• A list of symptoms or concerns you want to discuss

• Questions you want to ask your provider

• Any health information your provider has asked you to track or provide

• Paper and a pen for notes

Choose a well-lit location where your provider can see you clearly and where you can comfortably discuss private health information.

For pediatric telehealth appointments, a parent or legal guardian may need to be available to provide consent and participate in the visit.

Is Telehealth Right for Every Appointment?

No. Some healthcare concerns require an in-person physical examination, testing, imaging or treatment that cannot be provided virtually.

When you call to schedule, our team can help determine whether telehealth may be appropriate for your healthcare needs.

If your provider determines during a telehealth appointment that you need to be evaluated in person, they will discuss the appropriate next step with you.

Telehealth is not a substitute for emergency medical care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

What Does a Telehealth Visit Cost?

Telehealth coverage and patient costs can vary depending on your insurance plan and the services provided.

Before your appointment, contact your insurance company using the number on your insurance card if you have questions about telehealth coverage, copays, deductibles or other costs.

If you have questions about paying for care, Eastern Iowa Health Center can also help you understand available financial assistance options.

Ready to Connect?

Call Eastern Iowa Health Center at 319.730.7300 to ask whether a telehealth appointment is right for you.