The Difference Between Telehealth and Managed Telehealth

The Difference Between Telehealth and Managed Telehealth

Georgia Memory Net was created to give Georgians a faster, accurate way to get a diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. That’s why we have Memory Assessment Clinics all around our state—so that more Georgians can access world-class diagnostic services no matter where they live.

We know that everyone can’t easily attend an appointment in person. The commute might be too long. Mobility issues could make an in-person visit difficult. Whatever the reason, Georgia Memory Net wants to provide a way to get diagnosed without needing to travel to one of our clinics.

That’s why we offer “home” and “assisted” telemedicine diagnostic options.

What is Telehealth?

In general, telehealth refers to any way you and a healthcare professional can use a technology platform to communicate without having to be in the same place. This can include:

• Video chats on a smartphone, computer, or tablet
• Phone calls
• Emails or communication over secure apps
• Remote devices that let healthcare professionals monitor patients from afar

You may have heard telehealth referred to as telemedicine, digital medicine, e-health, or mobile health. They’re all synonymous with what we call telehealth.

At Georgia Memory Net, we offer video chat telehealth appointments on computers, smartphones, or tablets. Since different people have different needs, we offer two types of telemedicine appointments—home telehealth and managed telehealth.

Home Telehealth

Home telehealth is an appointment where the patient connects with Georgia Memory Net from where they are—likely from where they live. During this appointment the patient would securely meet with us on video using their wifi-enabled device.

Because some people we see may be experiencing memory issues or cognitive decline, we recommend that a close family member or friend attend the telehealth appointment with them for support.

Assisted Telehealth

Some Georgians don’t have access to wifi-enabled devices. Others might have challenges using technology to connect to Georgia Memory Net diagnosticians. That’s why we also offer Managed Telehealth appointments at locations throughout our state:

• Barnesville—Lamar County Health Department
• Blairsville—Union County Health Department
• Blue Ridge—Fannin County Health Department
• Brunswick—Glynn County Health Department
• Dalton—Whitfield County Health Department
• Dublin—Laurens County Health Department
• Hartwell—Hart County Health Department
• LaGrange—Troup County Health Department
• Swainsboro—Emanuel County Health Department
• Vienna—Dooly County Health Department

For a managed telehealth appointment, you will come to one of the local health departments listed above to attend the visit. A staff member will be at the location to assist with the technology, ensuring you’re able to connect and communicate.

How Do I Make a Telehealth Appointment?

If you, or a loved one, are interested in making a telehealth appointment for Alzheimner’s or related dementia diagnosis, the first step is to talk to your Primary Care Provider. Tell them your concerns about your memory challenges. You can even tell them you’d like to know if a referral to Georgia Memory Net for diagnosis is right for you. A referral is required to get a diagnosis through Georgia Memory Net.

You can bring this referral form to the appointment to make getting a referral simpler. With a referral, you can either make an appointment for an in person or telehealth appointment.

Download Our Telehealth Resource