Digestive & Lung Care

If you have symptoms or risk factors for sleep apnea, Dr. Patel can evaluate your history and symptoms virtually and, when appropriate, order a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) that is delivered directly to your home.

You complete the test at home and return the device according to the testing service's instructions. The study is reviewed and interpreted by a qualified sleep physician, and Dr. Patel reviews the results with you virtually.

If sleep apnea is confirmed, Dr. Patel can discuss appropriate treatment and coordinate next steps, including PAP therapy or referral to a sleep specialist when needed.

Not every patient is appropriate for a home sleep study. If your symptoms or medical history suggest that an in-lab sleep study or specialist evaluation is more appropriate, Dr. Patel will coordinate that care.

VirtualMD is 100% virtual, but some healthcare services — such as colonoscopy — must happen in person.

For age-appropriate colorectal cancer screening, Dr. Patel evaluates which screening approach may be appropriate for you. Depending on your age, medical history, risk factors, and screening needs, this may include a non-invasive stool-based test or referral to an appropriate local gastroenterology provider for colonoscopy.

Dr. Patel helps coordinate the next step rather than leaving you to navigate it alone.

For symptoms that are appropriate for virtual evaluation, Dr. Patel can assess what may be contributing to the flare, review your current medications and inhaler technique, and adjust treatment when clinically appropriate.

Depending on the clinical situation, treatment may include adjustments to anti-inflammatory or rescue medications and other appropriate therapy.

Severe or rapidly worsening breathing problems require immediate emergency care. If you are struggling to breathe, cannot speak comfortably because of shortness of breath, or are not responding to your prescribed rescue treatment, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately.

Antibiotics are not routinely used for asthma exacerbations unless there is evidence of a bacterial infection.

Dr. Patel can manage patients with stable inflammatory bowel disease when their condition and treatment plan are appropriate for ongoing virtual care.

If your disease becomes highly active, requires complex biologic treatment or infusion services, needs urgent endoscopic evaluation, or otherwise requires specialty-level intervention, Dr. Patel coordinates care with an in-person gastroenterologist while continuing to support your overall medical care.

Dr. Patel can electronically order spirometry or pulmonary function testing at an appropriate diagnostic facility near you.

A respiratory testing team performs the test in person, and the results are returned to Dr. Patel for review. He can then discuss the findings with you virtually and determine whether your treatment should be continued, adjusted, or supplemented with additional evaluation.

Your care is virtual; the testing happens where the necessary equipment is located.

If your condition requires a procedure, advanced testing, complex treatment, or specialty care beyond what can be safely managed virtually, Dr. Patel coordinates the next step with an appropriate gastroenterology or pulmonary specialist.

You remain connected to your VirtualMD care team while that specialty care takes place. Dr. Patel can help coordinate records, testing, medications, and follow-up so your care does not become fragmented.