Telehealth Visits for Endocrinology Appointments

The Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag is happy to offer Telehealth / Video Visits for Endocrinology scheduled appointments.

What is a Telehealth/Video Visit?

Telehealth is a ‘video visit’ which allows you to meet with your provider through secure video conferencing technology from the comfort of your home or a preferred location. Even though he/she will not be there physically, your provider will be able to see you and you will be able to see and hear your provider similar to an in-office visit.

How Do I Prepare For My Video Visit?

To ensure your visit goes smoothly and is free of technical glitches, in advance of your visit, please complete the following three steps.

Step 1 – Choose a Device

You must have internet access and at least one of the following devices:

  • Laptop Computer with a Display, Speakers, Built-In or External Camera and Microphone
  • Desktop Computer with a Display, Speakers, External Camera and Microphone
  • Tablet with a Camera and Microphone
  • Smartphone with at least a 5.5” Display, Camera and Microphone

Step 2 – Download the FREE ZOOM Application

You will be using a safe, secure, and FREE internet-based video application called ZOOM Cloud Meeting to connect you with your provider. Prior to your appointment please download and install the application.

  • Windows or Mac desktop or laptop: http://zoom.us/download or App Store; select ZOOM Cloud Meeting
  • Apple products iOS: Download the ZOOM Cloud Meeting app from the App Store.
  • Android: Download the ZOOM Cloud Meeting app from Google Play.

Step 3 – Test your ZOOM Cloud Meeting;

After downloading and installing the Zoom application, follow prompts to test your device by visiting https://zoom.us/test

  • Smartphone or tablet: Follow the prompts to confirm camera, microphone and speakers are working.

Laptop or Desktop: When prompted choose “Join Audio Conference by computer.” Hover your mouse over the ZOOM toolbar. Your camera is working if you can see yourself. To test your microphone, unmute the microphone and speak. Microphone icon will flicker green when you speak, if operational.

Preparing on the Day of Your Appointment

  • 10-20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time, our office staff may call you by telephone to process any final paperwork, collect any copays, and ensure that everything is prepared for your visit.
  • A few minutes before your scheduled appointment, please use this weblink (or connect to Zoom Meeting ID 546-591-2561) to connect to the virtual waiting room.
  • Find a quiet and private space where you’re less likely to be distracted. DO NOT DRIVE while having the visit.
  • Prepare to show identification (Driver’s License) on-screen to the provider.
  • Please wait in the virtual waiting room for the provider. Please be patient as your provider might be finishing up with another visit.

Note: If you have diabetes, it is extremely helpful to share your blood glucose or other diabetes-related data with your provider prior to your visit. Please see the last section on this page for detailed instructions on how to share your data.

Is There a Cost Difference?

While many insurance plans include Telehealth/Video services, coverage varies based on benefit plan and evidence of coverage for each individual.

Telehealth/Video Visit Verbal Consent

When scheduling your appointment, the staff will ask for your consent with the following statements and your consent will be documented in your medical record.

Financial Responsibility (For Medicare Patients)

“Medicare covers your visit. However, please be advised that telehealth services are subject to co-pays and co-insurance. Your liability should be the same as a traditional in-person visit, unless the government issues a waiver a liability. As changes occur frequently we are unable to give you an exact amount.”

Financial Responsibility (For Non-Medicare Patients)

“At the present time we do not currently know if your health plan or IPA (as applicable) will cover this service in full. You may contact your plan to validate if they will be providing coverage for telehealth.”

Conditions of Admission

“By agreeing to receive telehealth consult services, you are agreeing to receive treatment as a Hoag outpatient. Hoag’s Conditions of Admission for Outpatients and Medicare Patient Rights forms are available on Hoag’s website. Do you consent to the terms of Hoag’s Conditions of Admission for Outpatients and Medicare Patient Rights?”

Note: These documents are linked below. All forms must be returned to the Center prior to your appointment. Please submit via MyChart, fax or regular mail. Due to patient privacy policies, forms cannot be submitted via e-mail.

Additional Questions?

Please contact our office at 949-536-7828.

Sharing Your Diabetes Data Before Your Visit

Blood Glucose Data (Not Necessary If You Are Using a CGM or Pump)

  • Please email a report of your data to diabetescare@hoag.org the night before your visit. Please remember to put your appointment date/time in the subject of the email.
  • If you do not know how to generate a report, on a single piece of paper write down your last 5-7 days of blood sugar measurements and email a photo of this paper to diabetescare@hoag.org. Please remember to put appt date/time in the subject of the email.

Continuous Glucose Monitor

  • If you haven’t already connected your Continuous Glucose Monitor (Dexcom, Libre, or Eversense) to our clinic, please email diabetescare@hoag.org with your email address and appointment date/time so that we can send you an electronic invitation to share your data. Please mention “CGM Data Sharing,” in the subject of the email, and please specify your brand of CGM.

Insulin Pump