IBD

The Consumer’s Guide to Telehealth for IBD

Everything you need to know about telehealth for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Abigail Libers
By Medically Reviewed by 
Reviewed:
Medically Reviewed

T he COVID-19 pandemic has changed how doctors provide healthcare, which is good news for people who manage chronic conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The advent of telemedicine has made it easier than ever for people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (UC) to see their doctor, whether to report new or worsening symptoms or ask a question about medication.

That said, you might be wondering how telehealth for IBD works and if it’s right for you. Everyday Health can help. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about telehealth for IBD.

5 Essential Facts About Telehealth for IBD

Here’s what you need to know before deciding if telehealth for IBD is right for you.

1. Your telehealth appointment is safe and secure.

Healthcare providers who see patients virtually must still comply with HIPAA, the federal law that protects patient privacy. For example, your call or video visit will not be recorded, and your doctor cannot disclose details of your health or treatment without your authorization.

Additionally, your doctor must use a HIPAA-compliant video communication product, such as Skype for Business, Zoom for Healthcare, Updox, or Doxy.me. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has the latest information on HIPPA compliance.

1. Your telehealth appointment is safe and secure.

2. Your telehealth visit can cover a range of care.

“Many aspects of what we do in person can be done through telehealth,” says Benjamin Cohen, MD, a staff physician and clinical director for IBD at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Here are some things a telehealth visit works well for:

  • Discussing new or worsening symptoms
  • Updating your medical history
  • Modifying your medication treatment plan
  • Asking your doctor questions about your condition
2. Your telehealth visit can cover a range of care.

3. You may still need to see a doctor in person

Of course, not everything can be done virtually. Here are some times when it’s best to schedule an in-person visit with your doctor:

  • If you’re a new patient (Your doctor will want to perform a physical exam.)
  • If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as vomiting, sharp abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea (These symptoms may even warrant a trip to the ER.)
  • If you need testing, lab work, or a procedure, such as an endoscopy or colonoscopy
3. You may still need to see a doctor in person

4. Telehealth visits usually cost the same or less than in-person visits.

Most insurance companies cover telehealth visits. (Call ahead to confirm.) You can expect to pay the same amount that you would for an in-person visit.

4. Telehealth visits usually cost the same or less than in-person visits.

5. You still need to prep for your appointment.

Make sure you’re in a quiet room where you can have privacy — ideally in your home, not at a coffee shop. “It helps for us to see your home environment and any challenges you may be facing,” says Dr. Cohen. Come prepared to talk about your history and current issues. Know what medications you’re on, including the dosages. Make a list of questions you have for your doctor, and consider sending them over via email or your patient portal in advance.

5. You still need to prep for your appointment.

The Pros and Cons of Telehealth for IBD

Still not sure if telemedicine is right for you? Here’s how to know if your appointment can be done virtually or if an in-person visit is necessary — or whether you should go to the ER.

Our Experts Answer Common Questions About Telehealth for IBD

Everyday Health tapped two leading gastroenterologists who specialize in IBD — Cohen and Aline Charabaty, MD, director of the IBD center at Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Sibley Memorial Hospital — to answer the top questions patients ask about telehealth and IBD.

Next Steps: Making IBD Treatment Decisions With Telehealth

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Congratulations! 

You’ve learned a lot about telehealth for IBD. So what’s next for you?

Take some time to think about your current IBD care and reflect on whether it makes sense for you to try telehealth.

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Self-reflection

  1. Are you satisfied with your current IBD treatment and doctor?
  2. When you meet with your doctor, do you find it easy or difficult to communicate?
  3. Do you travel far to see a gastroenterologist?
  4. Do you always require a physical exam when you see your doctor?
  5. What tends to be the reason for your visits? Are they to discuss routine treatment, such as managing medication or providing an update on your symptoms?
  6. Have you delayed or canceled any appointments due to health concerns, such as COVID-19 risk? 
  7. Do you commonly have other hurdles like time constraints that prevent you from scheduling checkups? 
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6 Ways to Prep for Your Appointment

Just as you would for an in-person appointment, it’s important to prep for your telehealth visit. Here’s what Charabaty and Cohen recommend.

  1. Contact your insurance provider: Make sure your health insurance covers telehealth so you’re not hit with any surprising costs. 
  2. Gather essential information: Know your medical history (including major illnesses or surgeries), have a list of medications you’re currently taking (including dosages), and record your symptoms and when they began. 
  3. Write down all your questions: Just like an in-person visit, it can be hard to remember all your questions, so be sure to jot them down.
  4. Take pictures: If you have physical symptoms, such as a rash, take a photo so you can show your doctor during your telehealth visit. 
  5. Test your technology: Check your Internet connection, make sure the app you’re using works, and test your webcam and microphone.
  6. Find a quiet space: You want to be in a location where you can have privacy and won’t be interrupted. Ideally, the space should be quiet and well lit so your doctor can hear and see you clearly.