The Pros And Cons Of Telemedicine
Posted on March 4, 2022
Telemedicine is a new concept in healthcare that allows physicians to provide medical care remotely, using web-based technology. The term “telemedicine” was coined by Dr. William H. Frishman in 1969, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s and early 1990s when the internet became widely available to consumers that telemedical services began to take off.
Although the use of telemedicine is becoming a common practice in many medical facilities, there are still a large number of doctors who are hesitant to embrace this technology. Although there is no doubt that it has its benefits, some physicians say that it can also be detrimental to patients. These doctors argue that since telemedicine technology is not always secure or easy to use, the information relayed may be inaccurate and prone to mistakes.
On the other hand, proponents of telemedicine say that it has a number of advantages over in-person consultations. For example, patients can receive an immediate diagnosis and treatment for acute medical conditions, such as asthma attacks and high blood pressure. A chronic condition such as diabetes can be monitored to prevent dangerous episodes. And patients with a drug or alcohol problem can receive treatment while they are still in the hospital. The program also helps people suffering from mental illness and dementia. This article will make you aware of the pros and cons of telemedicine.
The Pros!
Telemedicine is a new way for doctors to provide medical care to patients in need. The doctor can look at the patient with a computer using technology that does not require them to be in the same room as each other. This technology has been around for several years and has proven to be beneficial to many individuals who do not have easy access to health care services.
For Providers
Telemedicine providers may reap a variety of benefits, including:
- Providers who provide telemedicine services may have lower overhead costs. They may, for example, be able to pay less for front desk assistance or invest in an office space with fewer exam rooms.
- Clinicians may discover that telemedicine supplements their income by allowing them to deliver care to a larger number of patients.
- Less risk of infection and illness. When clinicians meet patients remotely, they don’t have to worry about being exposed to any germs the patient may be carrying.
- Patient satisfaction. Patients may be pleased with their provider if they do not have to travel to the office or wait for care.
For Patients
Telemedicine can aid in the treatment of a variety of medical ailments. It works best when a person seeks medical help from a trained physician and describes their symptoms in detail. Telemedicine also has the following advantages:
- Reduced costs. According to some research, persons who use telemedicine spend less time in the hospital, which saves money. In addition, less travel time could mean lower secondary costs like childcare and gas.
- Easy Access to Healthcare. Telemedicine makes it easier for people with impairments to get medical help. Other demographics, such as elderly folks, those who are geographically isolated, and those who are incarcerated, may benefit from it as well.
- Convenient. Telemedicine allows people to get care in the privacy and comfort of their own homes. This may eliminate the need for a person to take time off work or arrange daycare.
- Slowing the spread of infection. Going to the doctor’s office entails being in close quarters with people who may be unwell. This is especially risky for persons who have underlying illnesses or have weakened immune systems. Telemedicine eliminates the chance of contracting an infection while seeing the doctor.
The Cons!
Telemedicine has come a long way in the last few years. Many of its benefits have been proven, and the results have been excellent for patients and doctors alike. But as with all new technologies, there are some drawbacks to using this form of medicine.
For Providers
Telemedicine may also have certain disadvantages for healthcare practitioners, such as:
- State licensing rules differ, and clinicians may not be able to practice medicine across state boundaries based on the state in which they hold their license and the state in which the patient resides.
- Concerns about technology. Choosing the correct digital platform to utilize might be difficult. A poor connection can also make it difficult to provide high-quality care. Clinicians must also ensure that the telemedicine software they employ is secure and complies with all applicable privacy regulations.
- During telemedicine sessions, providers must rely on patient self-reports. This may necessitate professionals asking extra questions in order to obtain a complete health history. If a patient fails to mention an important symptom that was visible during in-person therapy, treatment may be jeopardized.
For Patients
Not every patient is a good fit for telemedicine. The following are some of the disadvantages of this style of care:
- Telemedicine is not covered by all insurance companies. Only 26 states presently require insurance companies to cover or reimburse telemedicine costs. These laws, on the other hand, are continually changing.
- Hackers and other criminals may be able to gain access to a patient’s medical information, particularly if the patient uses telemedicine on a public network or over an unencrypted channel.
- When a person requires emergency care, using telemedicine initially may cause treatment to be delayed, especially because a doctor cannot give life-saving care or laboratory tests online.
Telemedicine is an emerging field in healthcare. It involves the use of technology like video conferencing to permit patients and doctors to communicate to receive medical services at a distance. This trend has already started gaining traction in the US and Europe, but it’s still in its infancy. Telemedicine has been touted as a medical breakthrough by many proponents. They see it as the future of healthcare and believe that it will improve access to health services for many people who don’t have easy access to face-to-face care.
Whether you are a doctor or not, the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine should be considered by anyone who is going to use it. This will help you make an informed decision about whether this is the right option for your medical needs. If you want to learn more about telemedicine, please leave us a comment below!