I Really Need Tech Help

So my pdoc and therapist are giving me very much pressure to use telemedicine. Until now, during the lock-down, I've been using the phone. I am probably the most low-tech person on this forum. Seriously. My cell isn't connected to the internet. I use a desktop. This situation will surely go on until June, probably longer.

I need a webcam with a mic. Does the webcam come with a mic? Is Skype good?

Any and all info desperately needed! Thanks

The problem with webcams is that they're all sold out everywhere, except for like the $2000 ones. I'm guessing medical professionals and people in your shoes have bought them all out, just like people have bought out fitness equipment, food, etc..

Is your phone at least a smart phone? If it is, I really think you should use your phone and connect it to the internet to use video chatting. I can tell you how to do that if you want.

If not, idk where you'll find a camera. I just searched for like 5 mins and they're all sold out. Even some of the $2000 ones are sold out. So I would say... either use your phone to video chat or tell them that webcams are all sold out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluebicycle The problem with webcams is that they're all sold out everywhere, except for like the $2000 ones. I'm guessing medical professionals and people in your shoes have bought them all out, just like people have bought out fitness equipment, food, etc.. Is your phone at least a smart phone? If it is, I really think you should use your phone and connect it to the internet to use video chatting. I can tell you how to do that if you want. If not, idk where you'll find a camera. I just searched for like 5 mins and they're all sold out. Even some of the $2000 ones are sold out. So I would say... either use your phone to video chat or tell them that webcams are all sold out.

WOW. It makes perfect sense that they'd be sold out. I didn't think of that, and surely my providers didn't either.

No, my phone isn't a smart phone. This is all so frustrating.

Thank you so much, blue. You have offered your help so many times. I totally lack confidence in my ability to do any of this.

It's a good excuse, though, if I can tell them the webcams are all sold out

The reality of it all is even if you had a smart phone or web cam you absolutely do not have to agree to video sessions..... So next time someone brings it up again just tell them you have no way to do so and no need to bring it up again and then just ask them a question.. Im sorry they are pressuring you about this.

I am so glad you've openly asked for help. our trusty Blue has helped out! She's the best!
I totally agree with Christina! nobody should be pressuring you to do what you cannot do. i am sorry you've been in this bind.

You know, I'd needed to see a doctor today. They fit me in early afternoon. I was thinking: what do people do if they do not have the equipment needed for telemedicine?

Please stay well!

What program do they use skype? zoom?

You may be able to get away kindle fire tablet but that's $50. I'll look for a cheap smart phone. Do you by chance have a safelink phone?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Christina The reality of it all is even if you had a smart phone or web cam you absolutely do not have to agree to video sessions..... So next time someone brings it up again just tell them you have no way to do so and no need to bring it up again and then just ask them a question.. Im sorry they are pressuring you about this.

My pdoc can get stuck on a subject like a dog with a bone. She terrific with meds, but her pressure stresses the hell out of me.

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Originally Posted by Wild Coyote I am so glad you've openly asked for help. our trusty Blue has helped out! She's the best! I totally agree with Christina! nobody should be pressuring you to do what you cannot do. i am sorry you've been in this bind. You know, I'd needed to see a doctor today. They fit me in early afternoon. I was thinking: what do people do if they do not have the equipment needed for telemedicine? Please stay well!

Thank you, sweetie. You stay well, too

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom What program do they use skype? zoom? You may be able to get away kindle fire tablet but that's $50. I'll look for a cheap smart phone. Do you by chance have a safelink phone?

I don't know which program they use. Is Cricket a cheap smart phone?

Thank you, MM

If your providers don't like the valid "webcams are all sold out, so I can't buy one" excuse, then I like MM's suggestion of a Kindle Fire if you're okay with spending $50.

Cricket is a cheap phone. You can also go w/ a used or refurbished phone.

The only problem with smartphones in general is that you're likely going to have to pay for a data plan, and the cheapest I've seen (from my quick search) is $30 a month on Cricket Wireless. I just don't know how easy it is to buy a smartphone w/o buying a data plan. I mean, I know that you don't NEED to have a data plan in order to use a smartphone, but it's just that some companies will force you to buy a data plan when you buy the smartphone, if that makes sense. (This is how they make money, after all!)

But let's say you do buy a phone for like $20 and a data plan for $30. You're at $50 for your first month. A Kindle Fire is $50 on its own and you don't have to worry about data plans. You can just use your wifi in your home.

You can, however, call around to see if some place like Best Buy or Wal-Mart is willing to sell you a smartphone w/o a plan. I would give that a shot and see where it leads you. Worst case, you can fall back to a Kindle Fire.

Oh, and if you want to text people on a smartphone, I would recommend downloading Telegram or What'sApp. They are free to use and they utilize wifi. You do not need an expensive data plan to text if you go that way.

Edit: Amazon also offers monthly payment plans -- https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=15281868011

I am not eligible for a payment plan, but maybe you are...?

If you qualify for safelink there are smart phones as low as $11

I can see some Pdocs doing this.. But id turn it right around...

Pdoc, we must do video sessions
You. I do not have the ability to do this at all and I am done with this topic, I hope you will respect my boundaries and I do yours...

Thanks to each of you. You have all been incredibly helpful

I've been meaning to mention Lifeline Program: Low Income & Discount Cell Phone Service | T-Mobile.
This may be similar to the program mentioned by MM..

There is also a program offered through Great Calls in conjunction with: Medicare Advantage, Medicare and Medicaid.
This program utilizes the Jitterbug phones, one phone being their Jitterbug smart phone.
Don't let the fact that they mention "seniors" a lot.

https://healthcare.greatcall.com/par...id-dual-plans/

My mom has this phone/service plan.
The smart phone is easier to use . It still offers many features/capabilities. it offers more features than my current phone. You can add any APPS in the Google Play Store.
It also has a help/panic button should you need help in an emergency.
The Great Calls service center is available 24/7. if you need help with your phone, just dial a 3 digit number and a representative will respond. If they cannot talk you through the steps of what you'd like to do with your phone, they can remotely access your phone, with your permission, and will assist you remotely.

Their smart phone costs approx $150.00 and the phone is yours.

I don't have the details on exactly what they offer to Medicare and Medicaid recipients. They advertise they are trying to make telemedicine available to all.

I am very impressed with their phone.

If I was looking for a smart phone, I'd see what they have to offer in conjunction with my federal/state insurance plans.

If I was not looking for a smart phone, I'd look into a Kindle Fire. There are new ones and refurbished ones at Amazon.

If I think of additional options, I'll let you know.

I hope something fits your needs.

Thanks WC! I do qualify for a low-income phone, which I have, but it is an absolute piece of garbage. I'm sure glad I didn't have to pay for the thing.

I'm 57, so probably don't meet their requirements for senior - but my husband is 73. Perhaps I would be able to use his name.

There is such excellent info on this thread; I have no doubt that something will result. Again, thank you all!

I do not think you have to qualify as a senior. I have just checked with them and there is no age requirement to use their services. I think they just tend to market to seniors. I do not know why because many younger people might have a problem operating the phone if not used to a smart phone.

They also work with AARP.

I have checked with Great Call and they say they work with Medicare Advantage, Medicare and Medicaid, IF there are provisions within the policy.
If you call them, please do speak to a supervisor, as many of their representatives do not seem to know anything about this.

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The one thing I do not like about phones is the monthly charge. It can take a lot out of monthly budgets.

I also highly recommend the Kindle Fire, which is a one time fee and works off of your wifi. they are offered at Amazon both new and refurbished.

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Re: ~Christina's advice: I do believe the insurance companies, esp Medicare and Medicaid must offer simply telephone calls for telemedicine by pdocs, at least during this National Emergency. I know my pdoc offers either video or simply the phone and she gets paid...and I have one of the most difficult insurers in the U.S.

Medicare/Medicaid should be able to answer that question for sure.

I hope something fits your needs without breaking the bank!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote I do not think you have to qualify as a senior. I have just checked with them and there is no age requirement to use their services. I think they just tend to market to seniors. I do not know why because many younger people might have a problem operating the phone if not used to a smart phone. They also work with AARP. I have checked with Great Call and they say they work with Medicare Advantage, Medicare and Medicaid, IF there are provisions within the policy. If you call them, please do speak to a supervisor, as many of their representatives do not seem to know anything about this. ______________________________________ The one thing I do not like about phones is the monthly charge. It can take a lot out of monthly budgets. I also highly recommend the Kindle Fire, which is a one time fee and works off of your wifi. they are offered at Amazon both new and refurbished. _______________________________________ Re: ~Christina's advice: I do believe the insurance companies, esp Medicare and Medicaid must offer simply telephone calls for telemedicine by pdocs, at least during this National Emergency. I know my pdoc offers either video or simply the phone and she gets paid...and I have one of the most difficult insurers in the U.S. Medicare/Medicaid should be able to answer that question for sure. I hope something fits your needs without breaking the bank!

Thank you so, so much!