FAQ
What is telehealth?
Essentially, telehealth allows you to video-conference online with your clinician instead of meeting in person. Telehealth is the distribution of health-related services and information through online platforms (such as Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.). It allows long-distance patient and clinician contact when rural settings or a lack of mobility, etc. restrict access to care.
What are the limits of telehealth in Petroleum County?
At this time, clinical services, such as check-ups, diagnosis, and monitoring are not available through the Petroleum County Telehealth Center. The Telehealth Center is available only for conferencing with your mental health professional and/or talking with your clinician.
Why would I use the Telehealth Center?
The Telehealth Center provides you with a safe, secure, and private room with high-speed internet to talk with your medical provider without having to travel out-of-county. Although telecommuting from home is an option, the Telehealth Center is ideal for anyone who doesn’t have high-speed internet at home, is unable or unwilling to travel to Lewistown or Billings to meet with their clinician, needs a safe space outside of their home to communicate with their medical provider, or is interested in telehealth but needs assistance with technology.
How do I schedule an appointment?
After confirming that this service meets the requirements of your medical provider, simply call (406) 429-5500 to reserve the Telehealth Center for the time required. This phone line is private and secure.
Will my insurance cover it?
In general–yes. As the nation is in a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, insurance has expanded to cover all forms of telemedicine. Although it has not passed (as of August, 2020) legislation has bipartisan support to make this expansion and coverage of telemedicine permanent. Once the state of emergency lifts, be sure to check with your doctor or insurance provider to see if you are covered.
Testimonials
Mark Horn
Manager of Telemedicine and Outreach Services
Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network/Billings Clinic
“Telehealth is a safe and effective way for Montanans to receive quality health care. It allows them to connect with the care they need while keeping them close to home. The COVID-19 pandemic ha s only reinforced the importance of accessing health care in new and innovative ways, and telehealth is an incredibly effective way to do that.”
Dr. Laura Bennett
Medical and Population Health Director/Interim Co-CEO
Central Montana Medical Center
“Telehealth is definitely becoming the way of the future. In the rural arena, telehealth allows more access to both primary and specialty care especially to our most vulnerable population that have difficulty traveling.”
