Telemedicine Visits at MSK: Everything You Need to Know
Everyone at Memorial Sloan Kettering is working together to deliver excellent care for our patients. We are taking every precaution to ensure your health, well-being, and safety. One way we’re doing this is by offering telemedicine visits.
What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine is the use of secure video technology to connect you with members of your MSK care team. It lets you remain in the comfort of your home while our providers continue to give you the care you need. You can communicate with our specialists through face-to-face video conferencing on your desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. You will be able to see and hear them, and they will be able to see and hear you — the only difference is that you won’t be in the same room. Ask your healthcare provider if a telemedicine visit is an option for you.
If you’re a new patient, contact our Patient Access Service to schedule an appointment. This group of specially trained nurses and care advisors works very closely with our physicians. We’ll make certain we refer you to the healthcare provider best suited to your particular diagnosis — whether your first appointment is with a surgeon, a medical oncologist, or a radiation oncologist. Our focus is always on our patients, and our experts are here to explain what you need to know.
It’s natural to be anxious when you make the first call, and you probably have a lot of questions about treatment, insurance coverage, clinical trials (research studies), or what services are offered near you. We’ll do everything we can to put you at ease, whether you’re a patient or a caregiver, and make sure you get the answers you need.
What are the benefits of a telemedicine visit?
We know that travel to and from appointments can take a lot of time and energy. Telemedicine visits allow you to remain in the comfort of your own home while you see your MSK specialist.
Telemedicine visits offer many benefits to you, including:
- getting the care you need without having to travel to a physical MSK location.
- saving you travel time and money.
- helping you spend less time at your provider’s office.
- letting you have tests done at a local clinic instead of having to commute to an MSK physical location (depending on where you live).
- not having to take time off from your responsibilities to travel to the hospital.
Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit at MSK
During your telemedicine visit, you and your healthcare provider will use MSK Telemedicine or Cisco Jabber™ Guest software to communicate. Instructions on how to install and use MSK Telemedicine and Cisco Jabber can be found below. Your video won’t be recorded or saved, and your information will stay private and secure. Telemedicine appointments at MSK meet the strict standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).