Telemedicine refers to the ability of medical professionals to consult with patients via the phone or video from a distance.
Telemedicine refers to the ability of medical professionals to consult with patients via the phone or video from a distance. Despite being almost as old as telephones, this method has gained popularity and utility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Professionals and patients are more at ease communicating digitally as telemedicine becomes more common.
Benefits Of Telemedicine
1. Simple accessibility to specialists
Not everyone has an ongoing connection with a physician they may call in an emergency. Various online medical networks provide 24/7 access to a wide range of professionals, without a scheduled appointment, day or night.
2. More affordable
Even those with decent health insurance may find it costly to see a doctor or therapist. In general, telemedicine appointments are less expensive than in-person ones.
3. People without health insurance can still access medical care
A doctor’s appointment may be complicated by inadequate health insurance.Numerous online businesses offer cash-pay telemedicine, which doesn’t need insurance or a reference.
4. Access to healthcare for rural residents
There are many advantages to living in the country, but quick access to medical care isn’t necessarily one of them.
Telemedicine gives patients who reside far from the closest medical facility a rapid way to see a doctor. When driving conditions are less than ideal, such as during a snowfall or hailstorm, this helps individuals save time and remain off the road.
5. People in underdeveloped urban regions have access to healthcare
Numerous Indians have been impacted by the pattern of inner-city hospital closures, particularly for those without health insurance.
Telemedicine offers a mechanism for people to see a doctor before becoming really ill, which aids in breaking this pattern.
6. Lessening of pathogen exposure
Long stays with other patients in doctor’s waiting rooms can help transmit viruses like the flu and COVID-19. By keeping patients at home, telehealth prevents exposure to germs and viruses. Additionally, this helps to protect medical professionals.
7. Midnight care for infants and children
Babies often experience nighttime sicknesses or fevers that spike. Parents can use telehealth services to rapidly connect with doctors who can provide answers, a diagnosis, and even a prescription when necessary, rather than relying on internet searches.
8. No childcare is required
It can be difficult to bring young children with you to the local clinic because parents get sick, too. Telehealth eliminates this requirement, as well as the additional cost of childcare.
9. Doctors are permitted to stay at home.
Numerous medical facilities have shut down or altered their hours because to the pandemic. Doctors and therapists may now treat patients safely from anywhere thanks to cybersecurity techniques like virtual private networks(VPN).
10. Lowering of medical overhead expenses
Telemedicine helps doctors cut down on office expenses including the requirement for front desk staff.
11. Reimbursement of Insurance
No matter where the patient or clinician is located, Various private insurance companies now allow therapists and physicians to bill for telehealth.
12. Support from peers
People dealing with difficulties such as loss or infertility have come together in online support groups facilitated by therapists.
People dealing with difficulties such as loss or infertility have come together in online support groups facilitated by therapists.
13. Lessened tension
Many people simply dislike going to the doctor. Some phobias, including agoraphobia, may keep people from getting medical help. Without leaving the comfort of one’s home, telehealth offers access to medical assistance and queries.
Drawback Of TeleMedicine
Telemedicine isn’t perfect and doesn’t eliminate the need for other types of healthcare, such as emergency care, which requires a hospital or urgent care facility.
- Telemedicine restricts clinicians from taking blood or urine samples, which is a drawback of telemedicine. This can make it difficult to adjust dosages for persons with chronic diseases who take medicine. Additionally, it might increase the interval between current diagnoses.
- Doctors are not permitted to take your blood pressure, listen to your heart or respiration, or take any other vital signs with a stethoscope.
- Other examinations, including mammograms, Pap smears, sonograms, and ocular pressure checks for glaucoma, must be carried out on site.
- Children who receive services like speech therapy could have difficulty focusing or collaborating with their therapists remotely.
- State-by-state variations apply, and insurance coverage or reimbursement is not guaranteed.
Finding a TeleMedicine provider
You can schedule an appointment with your doctor by starting the consultation with Drome Family Physicians or Downloading The Drome app on your mobile via playstore.