Free Telehealth Resources for California Patients - California Telehealth Resource Center

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Telehealth Resources for Patients and Families

If you’re a patient interested in telehealth services for yourself or a loved one, you’ve come to the right place. With CTRC, getting started doesn’t have to be intimidating, confusing, or expensive.

For a list of resources on Crisis Counseling, Housing Assistance, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Veterans and other state resource programs visit CalHOPE.org. CalHOPE delivers crisis support for communities impacted by a national disaster, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and run by the California Department of Health Care Services.

Remember that CTRC has specialized expertise supporting California-based safety-net patients, rural communities, and vulnerable populations—including the elderly, disabled patients, homeless individuals, and racial/ethnic minorities. Use our unbiased resources or contact us to find the useful answers you need.

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What is
Direct to Patient Telehealth?

Just as the name implies, “Direct to Patient” telehealth visits take place between a provider and patient directly—usually when the patient is at home, or in another location. These visits can include everything from initial exams to diagnosis, treatment, prescription fulfillment, and more. Clinicians can see their own patients, or patients can engage with a telehealth company.

Telehealth Patient
Education Materials

Telehealth is a way to receive healthcare services digitally. Telehealth lets you videoconference with doctors through computers, tablets, or smartphones and virtually connect to your clinic or other health locations without leaving your home.

27 Jan

8 Things to Know Before Your First Telehealth Visit

Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, is a mode of health care that uses secure digital technologies such as videoconferencing and telephone services to connect patients and providers.

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05 Apr

8 TIPS for a Successful Telehealth Session

This guide, produced by the Northeast Telehealth Resource Center, contains 8 tips to make your video visit experience a success.

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09 Nov

Guidance on Nondiscrimination in Telehealth

This document from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides patients with guidance on nondiscrimination in telehealth.

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27 Jan

How Do I Use Telehealth?

Want to take advantage of telehealth, for yourself or a loved one? Download this handy answer guide. Available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Cantonese.

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24 Mar

Patient Instructions for a Successful Telehealth Visit

Want to take advantage of telehealth, for yourself or a loved one? Download this handy patient checklist from Caravan

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19 Jan

Telehealth Specialty Provider List

We maintain an ever-expanding list of telehealth specialty providers. CTRC remains unbiased, and this list is unvetted. Before considering any of these organizations, please conduct your own due diligence.

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Connect to the Internet, Increase Telehealth Opportunities

Patients and providers can maximize cost savings on internet bills. Learn more by visiting GetInternet.gov. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline are federal government programs that help eligible households pay for internet services and internet connected devices. Eligible families who pair their benefit with one of the partnered internet providers can receive high-speed internet at no cost. Households may be eligible to receive both the ACP and Lifeline programs, and combine with other state and local benefits where available.

For the Affordable Connectivity Program, eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or by using an online or mail-in application. To apply for Lifeline, households can apply online, by mail, or through a phone or internet company.

FCC Announces $77 Million In Emergency Connectivity Funding For Schools And Libraries To Help Close The Homework Gap

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FAQs for Patients

Q: Does my health plan cover telehealth services?

A: Many health plans in California cover telehealth services. Check with your health plan member services representative or visit www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

Q: Is my personal information safe and secure?

A: Yes! Your personal health care information is always safe and secure whenever you have a telehealth visit. Every health care organization protects all details related to you, and telehealth is no different. If you’re worried about privacy, just ask your provider what steps they take to safeguard your important medical information.

Q: I speak a different language. Can I still get care?

A: Absolutely. All California health plans are required to provide you with assistance in your native language. This might mean sending an interpreter in person for the visit. It could also mean bringing an interpreter into the visit virtually. Check with your health plan member services representative to discuss available options.

Q: What types of equipment are used to facilitate telehealth services?

A: Typical equipment includes computers with cameras, smartphones, or tablets. Connectivity options include cellular or Wi-Fi.

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Telehealth Benefits
for Patients

Telehealth is a convenient yet effective way to provide health care, support,
and educational services from almost anywhere. Here are some proven patient benefits:

Fewer Transportation Hassles

Conducting visits via mobile device or computer can help the patient save on gas, parking, commute times, and/or public transportation costs.

Less Downtime from Work

Direct to patient video visits can often be scheduled during a lunch break, or before/after work. They can take place almost anywhere that offers adequate privacy.

Versatile Options

Telehealth can’t address every health condition, but it’s useful in a wide variety of circumstances. It’s also an effective way to monitor chronic ailments.

Specialist Access

With telehealth, access to specialty care may be more widely available. It may be possible to leverage the expertise of a skilled specialist who is not located nearby. This often makes it easier for a patient to obtain a diagnosis or get a second opinion.

Lower Illness Transmission

Participating in a home-based telehealth visit means skipping that crowded doctor’s office waiting room. This can make illness transmission a lot less likely.

Improved Wellness

With telehealth you are able to get an integrated and coordinated team-based approach to care. Primary care providers and specialists are able to work together with you as a team to better monitor your health conditions.

Success Stories

The Success Stories on this page illustrate how telehealth can literally change lives. It improves patient awareness, enhances clinical efficiency, reduces care-related costs, and more. It can also make a dramatic difference for safety net, rural, and vulnerable patient populations.

Use these inspiring examples as a blueprint for your own California-based telehealth program. Got a Success Story of your own? Share it with us!

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Video: Telehealth Success in a School-Based Setting

08 Apr

Video: Toby’s Story; Patient and Family Perspective

Telehealth has been happening in some form or another for over 20 years, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused the

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08 Apr

Video: Toby’s Story; Telehealth Success with ABA Services

Telehealth has been happening in some form or another for over 20 years, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused the

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02 Apr

Video: Jill’s Story

Jill Hill is a patient at Chapa-De Indian Health, one of the health centers participating in the Sustainable Models

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Questions? We Can Help!

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The California Telehealth Resource Center (CTRC) and all resources and activities produced or supported by the CTRC are made possible by grant number U1UTH42520-01-01 from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, Health Resources and Services Administration, DHHS. This information or content and conclusions are those of the CTRC and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. The information and tools presented on the California Telehealth Resource Center’s (CTRC) website are intended for general information purposes only and are not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional legal and billing advice. We recommend discussing billing and legal decisions with your organization’s compliance officer to ensure agreement or consulting with an attorney regarding any legal issue. All materials are strictly for informational and educational purposes only.