Glossary - Telemedicine in Alpharetta / Johns Creek

Definition

Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare services through secure video or audio technology, allowing patients to connect with their provider from anywhere in Georgia — without traveling to the clinic. At Geneva-Med, our telemedicine appointments are designed for patients in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, and across the state of Georgia who need convenient, high-quality care from the comfort of home or work.

Telemedicine is ideal for follow-up visits, medication management, chronic disease check-ins, and many common acute illnesses. It does not replace emergency care and is available only to patients physically located within Georgia during the time of their virtual visit, in compliance with state licensure laws.

Purpose

Our telemedicine services aim to:

• Increase access to care for patients who cannot visit in person due to mobility, scheduling, or transportation barriers.
• Provide quick evaluation of common illnesses and minor injuries.
• Maintain continuity of care for chronic conditions without requiring frequent travel.
• Reduce exposure to illness by keeping patients out of waiting rooms when possible.
• Accommodate busy lifestyles common in Alpharetta and Johns Creek.

For many North Fulton residents — from remote-working professionals to busy parents — telemedicine offers a safe, time-saving alternative for routine care.

How It Works

1. Book Your Appointment
   • Schedule online or by calling our office.
   • Confirm you will be physically located in Georgia at the time of your visit (required by law).
2. Receive Secure Access Link
   • You’ll receive an email or text with a HIPAA-compliant video link.
   • No special software is needed — just a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone.
3. Prepare for Your Visit
   • Find a quiet, private space with good lighting.
   • Have your current medication list ready.
   • Take any recent readings (e.g., blood pressure, temperature, blood sugar) if applicable.
4. Meet With Your Provider
   • Discuss your symptoms, medical history, and concerns.
   • Your provider may visually examine certain issues (e.g., skin rashes, swelling) via video.
   • If necessary, lab orders or prescriptions will be sent to your local pharmacy or lab.
5. Follow-Up
   • If an in-person exam or additional testing is needed, we’ll schedule a clinic visit.

Secure messaging may be available for brief follow-up questions.

Use Cases & Benefits

Appropriate Telemedicine Visits:

• Cold and flu symptoms
• Seasonal allergies
• Mild asthma exacerbations
• Medication refills and adjustments
• Chronic condition follow-ups
• Review of lab or imaging results
• Minor skin conditions (rashes, insect bites, mild acne)
• Gastrointestinal concerns (mild nausea, heartburn, diarrhea)

Benefits for Alpharetta & Johns Creek Patients:

• Time Savings: Skip the commute, parking, and waiting room.
• Safety: Avoid potential exposure to contagious illnesses.
• Accessibility: Great for patients with limited mobility or transportation.
• Continuity: Maintain care with your established Geneva-Med provider, even when traveling within Georgia.

Flexibility: Early morning and late-day appointment options.

Considerations

• Telemedicine cannot replace emergency care — call 911 for urgent symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe injury.
  
• Some issues require a physical exam and cannot be handled virtually (e.g., ear infections in children, abdominal pain requiring palpation).
  
• You must be physically in Georgia at the time of the appointment due to licensure regulations.
• Insurance coverage for telemedicine varies; confirm benefits before scheduling.