Telehealth - Fenway Health

Telehealth Guide

To provide efficient, convenient, high-quality care close to home, Fenway Health offers telehealth visits.

We will be switching our Telehealth Visits from Doximity to Zoom on Monday, June 3. Patients with scheduled telehealth appointments will receive a text message with instructions on accessing their assigned Zoom room an hour before their appointment.

If you have any trouble accessing your Telehealth appointment, please call us 617.267.0900.

More information is included below and you can download instructions in English and Español.

Step 1

Download Zoom if you have not done that already.

Desktop: zoom.us/download
Mobile Device: Search your preferred App store for Zoom.

Google Play

App Store

Step 2

Patients will receive a message similar to this about an hour before your scheduled visit time.

Step 3

When it’s time for your visit, you can click the link either on your phone or a computer to join the Zoom session. We suggest bookmarking this page as any future telehealth visits with this provider will be at this same URL.

Step 4

Zoom allows you to test your microphone and camera, then will put you in a waiting room that looks like the screenshot below. If you are having issues, please follow the guide here. Once the provider joins the call they will “admit” you into the Meeting Room and the telehealth visit will begin.

You can use almost any mobile device or a computer as long as it has:

It is best to restart your computer frequently (daily or every few days) for it to run more efficiently.
Before your telehealth visit, close any unnecessary programs and applications that could be slowing down your mobile device/computer.
Install recommended updates for your mobile device/computer from trusted sources, such as Microsoft and Apple. Having up-to-date software helps prevent compatibility issues.
Locate your volume control on the mobile device/computer you’re using. You might need to adjust your volume or mute/unmute during the visit.
If possible, use a wired (Ethernet) network connection on your computer instead of Wi-Fi to ensure the best connection for your visit.

Make sure that you’re in a quiet environment; close any doors and shut any windows to prevent background noise from disrupting your visit.
Sit in a location without windows or bright lights behind you to allow your healthcare provider to clearly see you.
Sit a comfortable distance from the camera so your healthcare provider can clearly see you.
Place your mobile device/computer on a flat surface (such as a table or desk) that allows you to have the camera steady and prevents the speakers/microphone from being blocked.

What is Telehealth?

Telehealth is the use of digital communication technologies, like smartphones, tablets, and computers, to access and manage your health care away from your healthcare provider’s office.

Why use Telehealth for a video visit with my healthcare provider?

Telehealth is safe, easy, convenient, and confidential.

Are Telehealth visits secure?

Fenway Health is using a HIPAA secure platform. Your information is secured and protected.

Who can be scheduled for a Telehealth visit?

Any Fenway Health patient who has a smartphone, tablet or computer with video/audio capabilities and a stable internet connection. Call Fenway Health to learn if your next healthcare provider visit is suitable for Telehealth and schedule/modify your Telehealth appointment. Patient registration or to make a medical appointment:

Ansin Building at 1340 Boylston Street: 617.927.6000
Fenway: South End at 142 Berkley Street, Boston, MA: 617.247.7555
Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Program: 617.457.8140

Patient registration or to make a behavioral health or addiction recovery & wellness appointment:

Behavioral Health Intake Line: 617.927.6202

Dental services: Call 617.927.6127
Teledental services may be available for some patients who are in need of urgent care. These include but are not limited to:

Evaluation of symptoms related to pain, bleeding, swelling, possible infection, trauma, and limited opening
Evaluation and referral to a dental specialist if needed
Information and education regarding home care and proper management of symptoms
Review of Invisalign Clear Aligners

Our dentists will determine which patients are appropriate candidates for teledental visits.

Lifeline – Free Internet for MassHealth Members

Lifeline Program: Subsidized Phone and Internet Service

In order to help those with limited phone and internet service access crucial medical care provided using telehealth communications during the COVID-19 crisis, federal and state government agencies have increased support for the Lifeline program—a free or low-cost telephone and internet services for those in need.

Eligibility

All MassHealth members are eligible to participate in the Lifeline program. You may also qualify if you receive certain state of federal benefits such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income, and more. You may also qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Eligible Providers

Assurance Wireless (partnership with Virgin Mobile), SafeLink Wireless (partnership with TracFone Wireless), and StandUp Wireless. Verizon is the home phone and broadband service provider for the state

Department of Telecommunications and Cable’s Hotline

For assistance in applying or to get support with any challenges in the process call the Department of Telecommunications and Cable’s hotline at 800-392-6066, for assistance in applying or to get support with any challenges in the process.

Click here for the full report from MassHealth (from 5/14/2020)

What if I don't have health insurance?

We Believe That Everyone Deserves Access To High-Quality, Affordable Health Care
Has your employment situation recently changed? Are you currently uninsured? If you live in MA, we can help you enroll in insurance. We can also talk to you about our sliding fee schedule. Call us at 617.927.6000. No one is denied care based on ability to pay.

All Fenway Health locations and programs will be closing at 5 PM on 11/27 for Thanksgiving. We will reopen for Saturday services on 11/30 and return to normal operations on 12/2.