Virtual Check-ins at Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists

Can’t make it to our office? We can still help!

We know it can be challenging at times to come in for appointments—and that is especially true during the current COVID-19 pandemic that is having such a profound impact on all of our lives.

At the same time, it is important that you find the help you need when you need it most.

Fortunately, we have a way that you can continue to stay on top of managing your foot and ankle care when you are physically unable to come to our office:

Virtual check-in appointments.

If you are limited by illness, stay-at-home orders, a lack of transportation, scheduling conflicts, or any other reason, a virtual check-in appointment can bring Dr. Thomas’s expertise and insight to you—all while you remain in the comfort and safety of your own home.

What is virtual check-in?

A virtual check-in appointment (you might also have heard it referred to as “telemedicine”) is a service by which we hold a remote consultation with a patient. This can be conducted over standard phone lines via a phone or smartphone, or via videoconferencing through a smartphone, tablet, or computer with webcam and microphone.

Essentially, this allows Dr. Thomas to communicate directly with you and answer your questions. You can also send photos to Dr. Thomas over a smartphone, or show him during a video call.

There are a variety of specific telemedicine tools and technologies. At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, we use our phone system, Ring Central, for standard calls and Google Hangouts for video calls (if necessary). Here is how it works:

  • Call the office (or fill out our contact form) to schedule your appointment. We can help you determine whether your needs would be best met via a virtual check-in or need more urgent, direct treatment.
  • Complete the consent form for telemedicine or we can send it to you via email.
  • When it is time for your appointment, we will connect via the telephone number provided, or through a Google Hangouts session, depending on what we arranged.

That’s really all there is to it! It’s a simple way we can reach out to you.

Is a virtual check-in right for you?

Appointment types that work very well for a virtual consult include:

  • Initial inspections. Dr. Thomas can visually inspect your foot or ankle over photos or video. From this information, he may be able to provide a diagnosis and/or recommendations on the next steps you should take for care.
  • Follow-up appointments. Dr. Thomas can examine how a wound is healing or talk with you about how a current course of treatment is proceeding.
  • Questions and advice. Have a question about your health care and want answers from a real medical professional? A virtual check-in is by far the easiest and most convenient way to do it.

Our virtual appointments are ideal for those who must stay home, parents who are caring for children, individuals who don’t have transportation to get to our office, and those who are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. However, you are not required to meet any of these conditions to request a virtual check-in. Anyone can do so!

What do you need for your appointment?

Before scheduling your virtual check-in appointment, please ensure that you have or will have:

  • A device capable of creating and sending photos and/or video, such as a smartphone. If conducting a Google Hangouts session, a tablet or a laptop with a webcam and microphone will also work.
  • A stable, reliable phone and/or internet connection.
  • A free Google account, if we plan to use Google Hangouts (if you have Gmail, you already have a Google account).
  • A private, quiet, and well-lit location to take the call.

We also encourage you to have a trusted family member or friend with you during the call. They can help take photos or video, if needed, as well as assist with general note-taking.

Is this covered by insurance?

While telemedicine services have been increasingly covered by insurance companies, the answer depends on your specific provider and plan. Please contact your provider for their latest information on coverage and options.

How can you request your virtual check-in appointment?

If you’re ready to request your telemedicine appointment with Dr. Thomas, please call our office at (313) 582-6222 or fill out our online contact form.

A member of our office will follow up with you during our regular office hours to schedule your appointment, make sure you have everything you need, and answer any questions you may have.

And don’t forget, we are still seeing patients for urgent needs at our office. Please call us for our earliest availabilities.

Thank you, and we look forward to serving you—wherever you happen to be!

GET IN TOUCH

ADDRESS

7243 Chase Rd.
Dearborn, MI 48126

PHONE

(313) 582-6222

HOURS

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm

Contact

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