Telehealth Appointments for Spine Care in New Jersey
Traditionally, doctor appointments require attendance in person. This can be challenging for some patients, especially those with an inflexible work schedule or mobility challenges due to their spine condition. These challenges prevent patients from receiving the care they need.
Thanks to advanced technology, doctors can now oversee patients’ care virtually through laptops, smartphones, and similar devices. Telehealth offers the opportunity to provide health services remotely. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, with locations throughout New Jersey, offers telehealth appointments for patients, making high-quality spine care more accessible.
How Does Telehealth Work at NU-Spine?
When you request a telehealth appointment at NU-Spine, we will schedule an appointment time and provide you with our telehealth link. This link will connect you with an online video or voice call with Dr. Branko Skovrlj. He will ask about your symptoms and go over your health history. Some patients receive diagnostic testing beforehand. In these cases, Dr. Skovrlj will review results to pinpoint the cause of pain. Telehealth appointments may also be used for follow-ups to discuss rehabilitation after surgery.
When Should I Seek a Telehealth Appointment at NU-Spine?
Telehealth is an option whenever patients have difficulty attending appointments in person. If you cannot fit in-person appointments into your schedule, or if your spine condition creates challenges with mobility, you can request a telehealth appointment for convenience.
NU-Spine most often schedules remote visits for preliminary and follow-up appointments. For example, Dr. Skovrlj may answer questions about neck or back pain, review imaging test results, or talk about your post-procedure recovery. Telehealth also provides an opportunity to express your concerns without needing to visit one of our locations.
Who Do I Meet During My Telehealth Appointment?
Telehealth patients meet with our resident, Branko Skovrlj, MD. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon, and one of the few neurosurgeons in New Jersey to focus solely on the spine. He specializes in all aspects of spine surgery, with a special interest in complex procedures, minimally invasive spine surgery, and treatments for deformities. Dr. Skovrlj has published extensively and received numerous awards for his research and contributions to spine surgery.
With all his accolades, Dr. Skovrlj has not lost his small-town values. He takes the time to get to know each of his patients personally, establishing a rapport while ensuring a friendly environment. Patients find him down-to-earth and approachable, making it easy to discuss their pain.
What Are The Advantages of Telehealth Appointments?
Because telehealth appointments are held remotely, they eliminate the need for patients to travel to a NU-Spine location. This provides several benefits for the patient, including:
- Reduced costs on gas and parking expenses
- Minimal interruption to your busy schedule
- Improved accessibility for patients with mobility issues
- Greater comfort in a familiar home environment
- Convenience to see the doctor on your terms
- More frequent follow-up appointments
Telehealth appointments are also typically shorter than traditional in-office appointments. This allows Dr. Skovrlj to fit them more seamlessly into his schedule. Even when the practice is busy, telehealth may allow you to talk to the doctor and receive necessary care sooner.
How Does Telehealth Differ From In-Person Care?
Telehealth is not a substitute for in-person care. Physical examinations and surgical procedures must still occur at a NU-Spine location. In addition, in-person attendance offers improved opportunities to build rapport with the doctor and staff and gain familiarity with our practice environment. All these factors are important to give you confidence in the care provided by NU-Spine.
Because of these key differences, not every appointment can be replaced with telehealth. All patients must receive a physical examination. You may also prefer to visit the doctor in person. However, when appropriate, telehealth can be a valuable way to enhance the care you receive at NU-Spine.
How Long Will My Telehealth Appointment Take?
The standard length for a telehealth appointment at NU-Spine is 15 minutes. This scheduling can be extended depending on the case. Appointments may run longer if the patient has more questions about their care, or if the appointment requires a prolonged conversation. Talk to your doctor while scheduling to set the right expectations for your appointment length. If you need more time, it’s important to ensure that both you and Dr. Skovrlj are prepared.
Schedule Your Telehealth Appointment at NU-Spine
Don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact us today for an initial telehealth consultation, or visit one of our locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ.