Telehealth Guidelines
Prepare for your Discovery Zoom Call by reviewing these frequently asked questions:
WHAT DO I NEED FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
Current Medication List: Please include over-the-counter medications and supplements, and have the bottles handy in case questions arise. If possible, please share this list before your call via CureCoach.App or email.
Recent Blood Pressure Readings: Please provide specific, typical numbers from home readings or those done during a healthcare visit. (For example, saying “usually normal” is not as helpful as saying “typically 125/82”). Consider these tips.
Your Questions: Interruptions and talking over the other person is very problematic with video appointments. Please listen and wait for the other speaker to finish before responding. Write down your questions (use the chat if you are familiar with this feature). We will address them after your results and recommendations are presented. We will address most commonly asked questions during the presentation based on hundreds of prior similar encounters.
Your Calendar: At the end of your Discovery Zoom Call, we will schedule your next appointment, as well as your Carotid IMT ultrasound, labs, or any other testing that may be needed. Have your personal calendar handy to help this go smoothly. Scheduling during your Discovery Zoom Call will allow both parties to know the appointments that were scheduled before we sign off. If you need to reschedule at a later date, that is no problem. Just send a message through CureCoach.App or call 217.321.1987.
TIPS FOR AN OPTIMAL APPOINTMENT
Use your computer (preferred due to the detailed information shared on screen), tablet, or phone to log in to Zoom at least 5 minutes early. Use this link: zoomwiththecurecenter.life. Unmute your microphone and start your video while waiting in the waiting room. Dr. Backs will grant access to the meeting at the time of your appointment.
If you have never used Zoom, this tutorial will help you prepare.
Be in a private quiet space with no interruptions during your call. Please arrange your environment as you would a professional in-office visit. You may not be aware of background noise but the microphone transmits clinking dishes, barking dogs, playing children, and other distractions.
Outdoor locations with associated wind or other noise, driving, or being otherwise preoccupied or distracted will lead to your appointment being rescheduled. I take your time and care seriously. I need the same from you.
Listen and limit interruptions. Talking over the other person who is trying to convey information is a special problem with Zoom’s slight delay. Let the other person finish, pause, then talk. If you are familiar with the Zoom chat function, that is a great way to “write down” questions during the presentation.
Time management is especially important if you want to finish business before time expires. Provide information, ask and answer questions, and avoid lengthy stories.
HOW DO I BEGIN MY APPOINTMENT?
Tap the button below to enter the virtual patient waiting room via Zoom. Dr. Backs will begin the call at the time of your appointment. Be sure to access the call on a device (computer preferred) with audio (headphones or earbuds are helpful) and video capabilities. Have your phone handy in case your connection is interrupted. You may need to download the Zoom app on your internet-connected device prior to your call.
If you do not enter the waiting room by 5 minutes after your scheduled appointment time, you will receive a call (generally from 217-290-0230) at the phone number you provided to remind or assist you. If you do not answer or appear by 10 minutes after your scheduled appointment time, you will be considered a no show and subject to our cancellation policy.
In this case, you may be charged a $75 out-of-pocket fee for failing to notify us of cancellation at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Generally, the first occurrence will be forgiven and extenuating circumstances will be considered. But a pattern will prompt enforcement of the policy or dismissal.
If you struggle with or don’t like the technology, consider the inconvenience, time and cost of travel for in person meetings.
Now, click the button below to get started
WHAT IF MY ZOOM CONNECTION IS INTERRUPTED?
Dr. Backs will call you at the number you provided during the scheduling process. The caller ID will be, in most cases, 217-290-0230. Be sure to have your phone handy in the case of interruptions. In most case, interruptions are restored within seconds or minutes.
WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE MY APPOINTMENT? HOW DO I RESCHEDULE?
If you are not able to make your scheduled appointment time, please send Dr. Backs a message via CureCoach.App or call our office at 217-321-1987 at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment. Appointments canceled less than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment may be subject to a $75 no show fee.
DOES THE CURECENTER ACCEPT MY INSURANCE?
Yes, testing and consultations are covered for patients with Medicare Part B and most PPO and Medicare advantage plans.
Exclusions: Closed panel HMO plans and Medicaid. However, the money you save on these plans can be leveraged to pay the affordable costs of a CurePlan. Cost (including ultrasound, lab and consultation) is generally less than $750 for the initial assessment and Cureplan. Followup costs 2-4 times annually depend upon the tests needed and frequency of ultrasound. See below.
WHAT IF I PREFER TO PAY CASH/OUT OF POCKET?
Why pay cash/out of pocket for your CurePlan?
You, not your insurer, control your care.
CurePlan out-of-pocket charges are as follows:
Initial Consultation/Review of labs,carotid ultrasound, current treatment/Create CurePlan: $300
Additional Visits every 3-6 months: $160 - $225 (dependent upon level of care needed)
Carotid IMT ultrasound (Not the same as duplex ultrasound available at your local hospital: $198 (Every 8-12 months)
Labs: Typical cash pay costs are between $200 - $350 every 3-6 months depending on the stability of the CurePlan) It often is less costly to use our CureCenter client bill discounts compared to your insurance negotiated discount if you have a high deductible. These cash payments are not processed by your insurer, so they don’t apply toward meeting your deductible. If you prioritize having all charges apply toward your deductible, you may pay more.
Genetic testing and saliva testing for oral pathogen bacteria may add up to $200. This is a one time cost.
*These out of pocket rates apply solely to care provided at the CureCenter. Rates for other CureCoach providers may vary.
How can I provide feedback?
Yes, we take our patient satisfaction very seriously. With that in mind, we have created a patient satisfaction survey. We value and appreciate the time you take to let us know about your experience with us. Click here to take the survey.
Get Started on the Path to a Long and Healthy Life
Participate in a 15-30 minute Zoom or phone call with Dr. Backs. Your questions about process, cost, insurance coverage and expectations will be answered. You will decide together if the CureCenter and a CurePlan are right for you.
Located in Central Illinois? Schedule your 15-minute CureScreen for arterial disease. It’s quick, painless, and is the first step toward preventing the most common cause of death and disability.