Frequently Asked Questions

TELEHEALTH

  • PUSH Health is an asynchronous healthcare platform that allows us to communicate in multiple ways. Obviously, the easiest way is texting -  but sometimes we need to get on the phone and have a conversation or even a video call. Depending on what you need, I am available to help with all three. Messages can easily be sent over the confidential platform. Pictures can be shared. Questions can be answered.

    But sometimes patients need a little more. If a a phone call or a video consult is necessary to get a lab test done or a prescription written, then there is no charge.

    If you need a longer video or phone consultation for a medical issue, not necessarily tied to a prescription or lab work, I am also available to have these with you for a small fee.

    Otherwise, once you sign up for PUSH Health, we are linked together as patient and provider. So whatever questions you may have in the future, I will be available to you. It is like having a concierge doctor for a much lower price.

  • Any time you messages on Push Health platform, we will get the message. I am available almost every day if there is an emergent question or a prescription that needs to be addressed. My team is available 6 AM until midnight Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Pacific Standard Time and 8 AM til 5 PM PST Thursday-Sunday, including weekends.

  • Yes, we can always text back and forth through the HIPAA  compliant patient platform. We can also share documents and you can send photos over that platform.

  • I am also available for follow ups. If you do want to discuss side effects, or if symptoms persist, all you have to do is message.

  • Along with prescriptions and labs, I can also write for radiologic studies if you have a radiology center near you. I am also happy to provide telephone consultation and video consultation for more complex medical needs.

    As healthcare insurance becomes more complex, more and more patients require prior authorizations. Depending on the prior authorization, I can often help navigate that complexity, and obtain a prior authorization when appropriate.

PRESCRIPTIONS

  • There are two ways that prescriptions can be generated. Either you can request a prescription or I can write one for you.

    In either case, once both of us have accepted and agree to the prescription, it is sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice in real time. It is important to know that if you want to use a 24 hour pharmacy then you can pick which pharmacy you want.

    You may change the pharmacy that you would like the medication sent to every time. In case there's an issue with your pharmacy—for example, if it is closed or they don't have the medicine—I can switch pharmacies up to two times.

  • On rare occasions, a pharmacy will tell you that they did not receive the prescription. This happens, especially with smaller independent pharmacies.  If this happens, simply let us know, and we will pick up the phone and call the pharmacist directly. 

    Occasionally, pharmacies will tell the patients that they did not receive the prescription when it is actually that they require a prior authorization. We can also address that if needed.

  • In case there's an issue with your pharmacy, perhaps it is closed or perhaps they don't have the medicine, I can switch pharmacies up to two times without any additional charge.

  • As an ER doctor, it has been my pleasure to treat an array of medical issues. Telehealth lends itself to treating quite a few of these. I'm happy to take care of skin and upper respiratory infections as well as long-term health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol, to name a few.

    I am also a member of the obesity medical Association, and have helped hundreds of patients with elevated BMI's to lose weight using GLP medications

CELLULITIS TREATMENT & MEDS

  • Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that occurs when bacteria gets through a break in the skin and begins to multiply. Your body responds with inflammation, which causes the redness, warmth, swelling, and pain that are the hallmarks of the infection. Without treatment, cellulitis can spread and become more serious.

  • It ranges widely. Mild cases may cause localized redness and discomfort, while more severe cases can lead to fever, chills, and in rare situations, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause a serious condition called sepsis. That's why it's important not to wait and see — early treatment makes a real difference.

  • Telehealth is a great option for mild to moderate cellulitis. However, you should go to an emergency room if you have a high fever, red streaking spreading rapidly from the infection, significant swelling, or if you feel very unwell. These can be signs that the infection is spreading quickly and may need IV antibiotics or more intensive care.

  • MRSA is a strain of bacteria that is resistant to many common antibiotics, which makes it harder to treat. Not everyone with cellulitis has MRSA, but certain people are at higher risk — including those with diabetes, a weakened immune system, a recent course of antibiotics, or close skin-to-skin contact with others in crowded settings (like athletes or people in shared housing). Your doctor will take this into account when choosing your treatment.

  • Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics, and the right one depends on your medical history, any allergies you have, medications you've tried before, and what the infection looks like. Common options include cephalexin, augmentin, clindamycin, doxycycline, and bactrim. Some of these are particularly effective against MRSA. Your doctor may prescribe one or a combination depending on your situation.

  • You can connect with Dr. DiMassa quickly and conveniently through Push Health. Before your visit, it's helpful to take a clear photo of the affected area — this allows him to assess the infection visually and choose the most appropriate antibiotic for you. From there, your prescription can be sent to your local pharmacy.