Telemedicine is a billion dollar business that is becoming a
trend in our connected world of convenience and crucial time management. It entails the use of electronic
communications to monitor and improve a patient’s health status. In addition to saving money for patients and
all providers (including insurance companies, hospitals, clinics), there is
better access for everyone. Studies have shown that overall quality of care
improves as patients are given more of the attention they deserve to make their
healthcare experience more beneficial. .
It is helpful for patients in remote areas with limited or no
transportation and those with chronic conditions that limit their ability to
make an in person office visit.
As telehealth develops, doctors and patients will find even
greater access with connectivity via personal electronic health devices and
applications (apps, for short). Telemonitoring
allows patient and doctor to check and follow together such parameters as blood
pressure, blood sugar, and much more in real time together. If that noon time blood sugar is too high,
your doctor can be aware and advise accordingly at the time of occurrence
instead of on the next appointment in 2 weeks.
This alone saves the patient’s health as well as travel time, office
visit wait time, and the money to do all of this. It potentially avoids an emergency room visit
and hospital admission.
In addition to patient care, doctors are able to communicate
in a more timely, efficient manner with other doctors and health
facilities. The CT scan you had this
morning is can be viewed by your doctor within minutes after completion instead
of days after. Mobile collaboration allows your doctor to discuss your health
case with other healthcare professionals like specialists (in the same or
different locations) to determine the plan for your care. This can actually happen the same day a test
is done! This eliminates delays in care
that could be life threatening to a patient.
As costs for telemedicine access decrease and more insurance companies/plans reimburse, it will become the portal of choice for many patients, doctors, and other healthcare providers. Your doctor visit time can be more about you at your convenience in your home. Best health!
