How can I use hybrid care?
Hybrid care combines in-person visits with telehealth to give you more choices and flexibility in how you receive care.
What is hybrid care?
Hybrid care uses both in-person visits and telehealth for your health care. This approach can make it easier to get care if:
- You live far from your provider
- You don't have easy access to transportation
- You need frequent check-ups
- You have a condition that makes leaving home difficult
With hybrid care, you and your provider decide together when to use telehealth and when to have an in-person visit. This depends on your health needs, your comfort level, and the type of care you need.
Your provider should explain:
- What can be done through telehealth.
- What care needs to be given in person
- How you can move between virtual and in-person visits
Hybrid care can also be tailored to fit your personal needs. Your input matters in making this approach work well for you.
Tip: Learning how to use technology, like video visits or patient portals, can help you get the most out of hybrid care.
What types of care can I receive through hybrid care?
Hybrid care gives you ways to stay connected to your care team without always going to a clinic or hospital. You can use hybrid care many telehealth services, including:
- Check-ups and follow-up care. You can have virtual visits between in-person appointments. These visits can be used to renew prescriptions, review lab or test results, or ask questions about your health.
- Manage chronic conditions. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, hybrid care can help you stay on track. You can use remote patient monitoring devices at home to track your health, share your data with your provider, and change your treatment plan as needed.
- Behavioral health care. You can receive behavioral health care from home, including one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and counseling for substance use.
- Nutrition care. You can meet with a nutrition expert, such as a registered dietitian, through telehealth. They can help you set health goals, create a nutrition plan, and manage chronic conditions by changing your diet.
- Getting care when you need it. Having both in-person and virtual options helps you get care faster, stay on track with treatment, and choose the type of visit that works best for you.
Did you know?
Some patients say that hybrid care has been life changing. For example, people living in rural areas or those who are homebound may find it much easier to stay connected to care.
How should I prepare to use hybrid care?
To use hybrid care, you need to connect with your provider outside of the clinic. This may involve a video call, phone call, or secure message. Here are steps to help you get ready:
- Test your technology. Make sure your device has a working camera and microphone. Check your internet or phone connection. Learn how to troubleshoot common problems.
- Find a private space. Choose a private space where you feel comfortable talking openly with your provider.
- Understand your costs. Ask your provider or insurance company about coverage. Find out if telehealth visits cost the same as in-person visits.
- Know your privacy rights. Telehealth visits follow the same privacy rules as in-person care. Ask your provider which telehealth platform they use and how they ensure your health information is kept secure. Learn more about your telehealth privacy rights and how to protect them.
Tip: Good communication is key. During visits, listen carefully, ask questions, and share how you feel about your care – both in-person and virtual.
More information:
How can I use telehealth if I live in a rural community? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How do I pay for telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
How do I protect my data and privacy? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What can be treated through telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What if I'm having trouble using telehealth? — Health Resources and Services Administration
What should I know before my telehealth visit? — Health Resources and Services Administration