UPMC's GI doctors use telemedicine to provide remote care for people with digestive problems or diseases.
It’s great for those who don't live near their provider or whenever an in-office visit isn't essential.
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About GI Telemedicine Care
At UPMC, we offer video visits for digestive health consults, first exams, and follow-ups to help better manage your health.
You can see or contact your UPMC GI doctor virtually through a:
- Secure, HIPPA-compliant video visit. These are ideal for follow-up care when a phone call isn't quite enough, but you don't need a face-to-face visit.
- Phone appointment.
- Secure, online private message (via a free UPMC patient portal).
Benefits of Digestive Health Telemedicine
GI video visits provide easy and fast access to a UPMC digestive disorders specialist.
People also like that a video visit:
- Saves time and money by not requiring travel or time off from work.
- Offers a more relaxed setting, from the comfort of one's home. Many people find this makes it easier to discuss their digestive problems.
- Is easier for family members or caregivers to attend an appointment.
- Reduces exposure to germs.
Is a GI Video Visit Right for Me?
Most people can have a video visit unless they need a physical exam in the office, blood tests, or a GI procedure.
Video visits are a good choice for non-urgent digestive problems, such as:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Gas or bloating
- Heartburn
- Hemorrhoids
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Video visits are also helpful for:
- Managing stable, chronic conditions like Crohn's disease, liver disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Sudden-onset GI symptoms because people can often get an appointment within 1 to 2 days. Most of the time, doctors can diagnose and help people during a video visit if their problem isn't severe.
Only a small percent of gastroenterology telemedicine patients will need to go into the clinic for a further exam.
What to Expect at Your GI Telemedicine Visit
Video visits provide care equal to in-office appointments. They're full-length appointments with UPMC GI doctors.
You attend your video visit using a computer, tablet, or smartphone and one of UPMC’s patient portals.
With video visits, your doctor can:
- Review your chart from your referring doctor, or any imaging or lab tests.
- Conduct a video exam. They'll ask you to show the place on your belly that hurts and to push on certain places.
- Share the care plan electronically with your health care team.
- Address your questions or concerns.
- Schedule any follow-up appointments as needed.
Learn more about what to expect during your video visit.
Learn More About GI Telehealth
