1. Will I need any special equipment to use telehealth for IBD?
3. Will I still need to see a gastroenterologist or other specialist in person?
4. Will I still need to get medication administered in person?
5. Can I see a provider in a different state?
6. What if I’m late or I miss my appointment?
2. What does it cost?
7. Is it harder to communicate online versus in person?
9. Will I have to take these medications forever?
8. Will I be able to afford this medication?
7. JAK inhibitors are still pretty new – are you sure they’re safe?
6. I read that JAK inhibitors increase the risk of blood clots. Should I be worried?
5. Can taking a JAK inhibitor cause cancer?
4. Why do I need to get certain vaccinations first?
3. Will taking a JAK inhibitor shut down my immune system?
2. If one JAK inhibitor doesn’t help me, does that mean none of them will?
1. Which JAK inhibitor is most likely to help me?
FAQs About Telehealth and IBD, Answered
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DR. CHARABATY: All you need is an electronic device, such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet. Beyond that, you may need a thermometer (to take your temperature), blood pressure cuff (to check your BP), or scale (to check your weight), but your doctor or nurse can let you know before the appointment so you can be prepared.
CHARABATY: The cost depends on your health insurance, but typically, a telehealth appointment costs about the same as an in-person visit. It’s very unlikely that it will cost you more.
COHEN: It’s possible. If you’ve never been diagnosed with IBD and are seeing a gastroenterologist for the first time, they may want to see you in person so they can perform a physical exam. Also, if you’re experiencing severe stomach pain, diarrhea, blood in your stool, or vomiting, your doctor may ask you to come to the office.
CHARABATY: It depends on the medication. Anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressants, and antibiotics can be taken at home. Biologics given via IV infusion require an in-person visit, but other biologics can be injected at home.
COHEN: It depends on your health insurance and the state you live in, but in many cases, you can cross state lines. Here are the current regulations for each state.
COHEN: Just like an in-person visit, it’s important to be on time and let your doctor know if you can’t make your appointment. You’ll need to reschedule, and it could take some time to get another appointment. To make sure things run smoothly, it’s a good idea to test your technology ahead of time: Make sure you know how to log in and that your camera and microphone are working.
CHARABATY: Actually, it can be easier. Because of COVID-19, doctors and patients who come into the office are wearing a mask and sometimes a shield, which can create a barrier to communication. With telehealth, people can talk face-to-face without masks, making it easier for doctors and patients to connect. Your doctor can see if you’re fatigued or you look dehydrated, and for established patients, doctors can deliver high-quality assessments through telehealth.
