Hannah Richey
Opinion Editor
hgrichey@uab.edu
UAB Student Health Services (SHS) is conducting telemedicine visits due to students moving off-campus and the COVID-19 pandemic in order to reduce the number of patients in the office.
The visits only require an internet connection and a phone or tablet with a camera able to receive a text message.
The SHS website lists routine follow-ups, medication refills and contraceptive counseling as some of the visits they can do virtually.
However, if you have never been to SHS before and are not located in Alabama you need to call (205) 934-3580 in order for SHS to determine the best course of action. You can also call if you aren’t sure your visit is suited to telemedicine.
The visits can be scheduled through the patient portal at https://studentwellness.uab.edu/login_directory.aspx
If you know any of your vitals you can provide those during scheduling in the same place you describe the reason for your visit.
After making an appointment download AW Touchpoint before your scheduled visit. There’s no need to make an account.
If you cannot download the app call SHS to figure out your next steps.
Your provider will send a link to the number you provided to SHS at your appointment time and after selecting that AW Touchpoint will open and the call will begin.
It’s best to go somewhere quiet and private for your visit, especially if you aren’t comfortable with your family being able to hear. You can always opt to use earbuds in your phone as well.
The visit isn’t the exact same as a normal check-up. The doctor can’t check your blood pressure or weigh you like they normally would.
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms or any problems you’re having with your physical or mental health and discuss treatment options.
If it’s a prescription follow-up tell your doctor about any side effects you’ve experienced and if you feel like your dose is working for you.
If you need a prescription that isn’t normally accepted over the phone your doctor will tell you. Most pharmacies currently are allowing most prescriptions over the phone but make sure your doctor has your current phone number so they can notify you if anything changes.
If you use a service like GoodRx for discounts notify your doctor so they can tell your pharmacy.
Telemedicine visits are typically short but require open communication between the patient and provider. Be sure to tell your doctor anything they need to know to best serve you through the phone.
