Telemedicine is a term that has been used in various ways. Some medical professionals use the term to refer to consultations via email, text messages, or live chat. In contrast, others use it for video chats, phone calls, or other electronic means of providing health care services. Telemedicine can be an essential part of routine patient care. It can be instrumental in rural or remote areas where a patient may not regularly access a physician.
Telemedicine is starting to be used more frequently, both in clinical practice and research. Research has demonstrated that telemedicine may lead to cost savings, improved health outcomes, better patient satisfaction, and reduced physician burnout. Ariel Soffer MD, FACC, a telemedicine practitioner, indicates that it offers many different benefits for the patient, and we look at some of them in this article.
- Comfort and Convenience
The ability to see your physician from wherever you are is a significant advantage in many cases. A person suffering from chronic pain knows how debilitating this condition can be, especially when the back or neck hurts. A patient who has difficulty getting out of bed may appreciate talking to their doctor without leaving home. Some patients may not like the thought of seeing a doctor about an intimate or personal issue. The ability to have this discussion in a more private setting can be of great comfort to some patients, primarily if the physician uses a webcam so they can see each other.
- Affordability
The cost of healthcare services continues to rise even as insurance plans often reduce the benefits they offer. In many cases, a telemedicine visit costs less than an in-office visit, mainly if there is not a copay or deductible involved. You may save money on prescriptions, which can easily offset the cost of the telemedicine visit.
- Improved Access to Medical Care
Today, more people are working longer hours and have less flexibility in their schedules. A person who has an important deadline at work may find it difficult to get away during the day for a doctor’s appointment, never mind getting time off of work. Evening appointments or weekend visits can feel like an imposition on family members.
- Chronic Conditions Monitoring
There are several conditions for which frequent monitoring is needed. For example, an individual who has diabetes must regularly monitor their blood sugar to ensure it doesn’t get too low or high, particularly before meals and when they sleep. A person with heart disease must constantly monitor their heart rate and blood pressure. The ability to do these monitoring procedures from a distance can be a great convenience and time saver.
- Infectious Disease Management
You must monitor some infectious diseases regularly to ensure they do not develop resistance to antibiotics or become contagious. A person with HIV, hepatitis C, or tuberculosis often needs to visit their doctor regularly for testing and monitoring. The ability to perform these tests from home can provide many benefits, including improved confidentiality.
To summarize, telemedicine uses modern communication channels such as emails and mobile phone technology to administer healthcare. It comes with many advantages, including affordability, accessibility, comfort and convenience, the ability to monitor chronic conditions, and infectious disease management.
