A Comprehensive Guide To Telemedicine
Posted on March 4, 2022
For some time now, telemedicine has been slowly but surely growing in the healthcare industry. It is one of the most promising new technologies, which allows patients and doctors to stay in touch remotely, through secure connections and video calls. If you are looking to cut healthcare costs, telemedicine is an excellent option.
This new form of health care has already proven to be extremely effective and efficient in a number of different types of situations. It allows patients to easily connect with medical professionals from the comfort of their own homes. In fact, the practice is becoming so popular that many insurance companies are now offering reimbursements for it.
With telemedicine, there is no need for patients to go through the hassle of visiting. But what exactly is telemedicine? And how does it work? What are its benefits? This comprehensive guide aims to answer all your questions about this fascinating field of medicine.
What is Exactly is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine has been around for years but only recently has gained traction and popularity. The technology that made it possible for doctors to stay in touch with patients outside of the office can now be used by consumers at home whenever needed. Telemedicine is a term used to describe the practice of healthcare providers treating patients remotely using information and communication technologies (ICT).
Telemedicine is a branch of medicine that uses telecommunications technology to provide clinical health care from a distance. It often refers to remote diagnosis and treatment, but can also be used for follow-up care and health education. A doctor can diagnose and treat patients remotely, usually through the internet, phone, or television and this is how telemedicine works.
How does Telemedicine work?
Medical services can be obtained in a variety of ways, depending on what your doctor has to offer. Two of the most common are as follows:
- A Patient Portal: A patient portal allows you to send and receive emails from your doctor or nurse, request prescription refills, and schedule appointments using the security of a username and password. Your doctor can also explain the meaning of your lab or imaging test results. This is generally more expedient than waiting to speak with them over the phone.
- Virtual Consultations: Some doctors will allow you to schedule an appointment over the phone or by video conference. These discussions are frequently held with mental and behavioral health specialists, as well as urgent care facilities.
With telemedicine, you can be treated by doctors anywhere in the world and they can see you through live video. All they need is access to high-speed internet and a webcam. They can even diagnose patients that are too sick to travel. Telemedicine has become a growing industry as every year more people are getting diagnosed with chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. These patients are more likely to be older and living in rural areas, which is a growing population of Americans.
The Benefits of Telemedicine
The benefits are numerous and include, but are not limited to, convenience, cost savings, and faster access to care. When a patient has an urgent medical need, they can contact their healthcare provider through telemedicine to receive assistance from a licensed professional.
Telemedicine has a number of advantages. One of the most important benefits is that it gives you access to specialists and knowledge that you might not otherwise have. You usually have the opportunity to tell the doctor about your medical history and ask questions during a telemedicine session. In turn, the professional will be able to directly ask you questions.
This telemedicine setup is preferable to trying to communicate with your doctor or nurse and then having them convey the message to you. Your cough can be heard and your puffy eyes can be seen by the specialist. You’ll be able to get firsthand information about your diagnosis and treatment options. Telemedicine is regarded as a standard medical service. In most circumstances, it should be easily billable to your health insurer.
Why should you use Telemedicine?
Doctors are overworked and over-stressed. They have been working more than 10 hours per day for the last decade. There is no research that shows that this is a sustainable work model, so now we see an epidemic of doctors quitting their jobs and leaving medicine. The average medical student graduates with $180,000 in debt, and the job market for doctors is getting worse every day. The United States has had a physician shortage for decades, and it is getting worse every year. We can expect the doctor shortage to get worse before it gets better, but there is a solution — Telemedicine.
In recent years, telemedicine has moved from the realm of science fiction into the mainstream. The American Telemedicine Association estimated widespread use of telemedicine could save $7.4 billion annually in health care costs, including $2.5 billion in the cost of hospitalization. It’s no surprise then that many hospitals and medical centers have started to implement telemedicine programs.
In addition, many of these patients need assistance with their daily lives such as getting to appointments or managing their medication. The demand for home health aides has increased at an annual rate of 8% since 2000, while the national average was 3%. Telemedicine can provide medical services that would otherwise not be available to patients living in rural areas and allow them to stay independent at home.
Indeed, telemedicine is a powerful tool that can help to improve healthcare across the board. It lowers costs, increases access, and improves patient outcomes, which makes it an essential part of any medical practice. If you need help understanding telemedicine or want to learn more about how it can be implemented in your practice, contact us today for more information!