The ongoing coronavirus pandemic resulted in many challenges for the healthcare system. To continue caring for patients safely and effectively and minimize exposure and transmission of the virus to doctors, many changes in practice models were necessary. Telehealth is one of them.
Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, is utilized in multiple healthcare specialties using audio and video technology to electronically deliver healthcare. Telehealth originally designed to provide electronically deliver healthcare to underserved and rural populations. The flexibility of telehealth to continue providing comprehensive care rose to greater awareness during the first year of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. During the throes of the pandemic, many people could not leave their homes as they sheltered in place, yet the need to access healthcare remained.
Telehealth and telemedicine cover many similar services as in-person visits to a doctor’s office and have tremendous convenience, flexibility, and ease to access. As a result, telehealth has found acceptance and success in multiple medical specialties and settings, including chiropractic care.
Patients who utilize our Burlington office for telehealth have these benefits:
- Individualized care for patient consultations
- Medical education
- Remote patient monitoring
- Convenient electronic access
- One-on-one appointments
- Wireless health applications
- Faster medical reports
- Faster transmission of imaging
How does telehealth compare to other approaches?
The use of electronically based communications between patient and provider expands the geographic reach of health care services and improves access to care. This makes telehealth both efficient and cost-effective. Many patients cite convenience, direct communication with the doctor, and privacy as important factors when choosing to use telehealth instead of getting in the car and driving to their appointments.
Telehealth doesn’t necessarily always involve a video chat over an internet connection. Because of the flexibility of information technology, telehealth can also occur over the phone or even via email. Improvements in technology in the last decade have dramatically increased both accessibility and quality of care that is available digitally.
Advances in technology also make transmission of personal health information between you and your doctor both faster and more efficient than ever before. Telemedicine measurement devices such as smartphone cameras, digital stethoscopes, wearable biosensors (think of Fitbits and other technology devices that can be worn), digital ophthalmoscopes, and digital otoscopes further improve the telemedicine experience for both patients and providers. This information can be utilized to focus and enhance your care, as well as track your responses to exercise, sleep patterns, ergonomic changes, heartrate, and more.
The US leads the world in utilization of telehealth and telemedicine in healthcare settings! Other countries such as the European Union, Korea, and Japan use telehealth less frequently. Of all medical specialties, radiologists, psychiatrists, and cardiologists use telehealth the most.
Are there downsides to telehealth?
Telehealth and its implementation vary from state to state due to legal and regulatory hurdles, including large variations in rules and guidelines for both practice and implementation. Furthermore, some assessments cannot be done online or have significant challenges in performing all components of a comprehensive patient exam, meaning those elements must be done in person. Certain medications cannot be prescribed online. And, telehealth isn’t necessarily a great option if phone lines go down, servers crash, or the internet is disconnected.
Other elements of concern include privacy and security of personal health information, advances in technology, social implications of increased computer screen time for both patients and providers, and lack of physical contact during important screening and examination procedures.
Thankfully, our office knows how to implement telehealth in a way that benefits you and your care.
Telehealth and you
Do you have questions about telehealth or other forms of appointments we offer? We would be happy to chat over the phone or even schedule a consultation to discuss what’s the right approach for your condition and care. Give us a call!
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