After the rise in the prevalence of COVID-19, the aim of every healthcare provider was to cater to its patients using methods that do not require in-person visits. Telemedicine solutions helped provide necessary care to the patients by allowing them to communicate to a healthcare provider using a telecommunication platform.
Why is Telemedicine Important?
Telemedicine is a new concept in the healthcare sector but due to the recent rapid technological advancements, it has been growing expeditiously. The purpose of telemedicine is to improve a patient’s health by enabling two-way, real-time communication between a patient and a healthcare practitioner at a distant site. Initially, the aim of creating telemedicine providers was to treat and cater to the patients living in remote areas where there was a shortage of medical facilities. While it is still being used to address these problems, it’s now also becoming a tool of convenience for the patients.
Through the platform, a patient can discuss his/her symptoms, medical issues, and more with a practitioner in real-time. The patients will be able to receive diagnoses, learn their treatment options, and get a prescription while being in the comfort of their homes.
Telemedicine Vs Telehealth
Telemedicine is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “healing from a distance” which means to provide clinical services to a patient by using a digital platform. These services are also referred to as telemedicine services. Whilst, the term telehealth is used in a broader sense, which includes a wide range of services to provide patient care and improve the delivery system of the healthcare facilities. Telehealth is different from telemedicine because it’s not limited to clinical services only. It covers non-clinical services like provider training, continuing medical education, and administrative meetings.
Pros of Telemedicine
Mostly, telemedicine possesses a lot of benefits. From giving access to quality care in remote locations to engaging patients in a more connected way. The platform has the potential of changing the healthcare delivery landscape. Some of the benefits are as follows:
1) Convenient and easily accessible
The main purpose of the telemedicine platform is to provide easy access to healthcare facilities. The platform’s inception happened from the USA, to address healthcare shortages in rural and remote areas. The platform does not only break geographical barriers to accessing professional healthcare, but it also makes the entire healthcare delivery model more convenient for patients.
2) Saving on healthcare expenditure
US annual healthcare expenditure amounts to nearly $2.9 trillion and almost $200 billion of the cost is avoidable and can be saved by using telemedicine services. Telemedicine solutions can cut the expenditure by reducing problems like non-adherence of treatment and avoidable Emergency room visits and making the typical doctor visits more effective and efficient.
3) Personalized Patient Engagement
In today’s world when everything is a touch of a button away, people expect an easier and more convenient way for everything. The engagement with patients is personalized in the sense they get to interact with the doctors more frequently and more easily. It helps build stronger doctor-patient relationships.
4) Better quality care
Follow-ups and feedbacks are relatively easier on an online platform, in order to make sure everything is going well and if there’s room for improvement. From keeping close tabs on discharged patients to tracking the patients’ overall progress, patient care has the potential of significantly improving through the usage of telemedicine solutions.
Cons of Telemedicine
1) Some health concerns may need physical visits
There are some serious conditions like heart problems or neurological concerns for which healthcare facilities recommend in-person patient-doctor visits. There are some conditions that can’t be catered to online.
2) Technological training
Even though the usage of digital platforms is very prevalent these days, the introduction of telemedicine in the healthcare sector is relatively new. Therefore, telemedicine doctors need to be trained in order to gain an understanding of how to use these platforms.
Telemedicine Services Near Me
We at Manhattan Medical Art ensure that we provide the best patient care. In order to do that we have classified a list of services, we offer on our telemedicine platform, keeping in mind what kind of concerns can be best catered to through an online telemedicine platform.
- Weight Management
- Hypertension Management
- Stress Management
- Diabetes/Blood Sugar Management
- Cholesterol Management
- Family Planning
- Telemental telehealth
- Women’s Health
- Primary Care
- Preventive Care
Frequently Asked Questions – Telemedicine
When should I use telemedicine?
You can schedule an online doctor appointment if you are in a location where you can’t access professional healthcare services or if you are seriously ill and can’t leave your home. You can schedule an online appointment if you know your problem could be catered to online.
What equipment will be needed?
A laptop or a smart device with a stable internet connection will be enough. Although, we recommend using headsets for clear audio interaction.
Will I receive the same quality care as an in-house face-to-face appointment?
We as a professional medical facility ensure that the quality of care won’t be compromised, regardless of from which platform you are receiving that care.
How can I schedule a visit?
Just like a normal in-office visit, schedule an appointment online for a telemedicine appointment.
– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.
Last reviewed by Dr. Syra Hanif, M.D. on 03/24/2021
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About The Author
Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.Board Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Syra Hanif is a board-certified Primary Care Physician (PCP) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.
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