The National Institutes of Health defines telemedicine as “the use of electronic information and communications technologies to provide and support health care.” It’s not as new a practice as you might believe. The earliest telemedicine visits go back to the 1870s when talk of using a phone for a medical appointment is mentioned.
The practice progressed through the decades, becoming essential for astronauts going up in space to be able to report their health and physiological condition. They can report their readings and answer questions while talking to doctors here on the ground.
In rural areas where doctors can be hours from a person’s home, the drive to a doctor’s office can seem impossible. For an older adult who doesn’t drive much or at all, returning to see a doctor every month for another blood draw or consultation is too much. Telemedicine makes it easier to keep in touch. That’s just one of the many benefits of telemedicine.
The Advantages of Telemedicine
A leading reason for telemedicine visits was already mentioned. They’re more convenient for people in rural areas or without transportation. For someone who works eight hours a day and s kids to pick up at daycare and a long commute. That person cannot easily get time off, it’s hard to get to a doctor during the work week, and weekends may not be an option. However, telemedicine is more than convenient. It offers a number of additional advantages.
Better Privacy
Have you ever been in a doctor’s office and bumped into neighbors? You don’t want them to know why you’re there, but it’s the first question they ask and you have to awkwardly lie or tell them you don’t want to share that information. Telehealth appointments are private. No one knows unless you want to tell them on your own time.
Improved Outcomes
It may be easier for rural patients or those with a lack of transportation to get to a doctor, but it also increases the chances of heightened care for chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, depression, dementia, and diabetes. You can check in with your doctor without having to take time off work, find a ride, or get a family member to free their schedule to accompany you.
Lower Costs
Another advantage to telemedicine is that it can keep costs down. Issues are diagnosed before they take a turn for the worse and require hospitalization or advanced treatments. It can keep you from having to go to the hospital for escalating symptoms. If caught early, a prescription or other specialty care can treat it effectively in an affordable manner.
As costs decrease, there’s also the chance that it will help insurance companies save money, which could lead to decreased rates in the future. You might pay less for medical care in general. That makes you happier.
White Coat Syndrome Diminishes
White coat syndrome is a real condition where being in a doctor’s office increases anxiety, which causes a higher blood pressure reading. Your blood pressure is fine normally, but it’s always high when you see a doctor. Being at home in a more comfortable setting can ease this issue.
You might also feel a little less restrictive and share more about the things that have been bothering you. When you’re in a safe space, you’re emboldened to talk more about your mental health, aches and pains, or concerns you’ve been having about something embarrassing like your sex drive. It’s easier to be honest when it’s not exactly face-to-face.
Concerns Patients Have and Their Realities
Despite the ease and convenience of telemedicine, you’re bound to have some concerns. Here are some of the things you need to know to help ease some of those concerns.
HIPAA compliance and confidentiality policies remain in place for telemedicine appointments. All telehealth appointments are held on secure communication platforms with safety measures in place to protect your privacy and personal information.
Whether your insurance company covers telemedicine or not is another concern. Talk to them or carefully read your policy. Most cover telemedicine appointments now, but there may be some limitations. You might have to schedule a telehealth visit through one of the insurance company’s recommended providers.
Tips for Your Telemedicine Appointment
There are several things you can do to ensure your appointment goes smoothly. Follow these steps to have everything you need for a successful visit.
Have Health Readings Ready
If you have medical equipment or a smartwatch that tracks your pulse and blood pressure, be ready to share that information. If you have diabetes, take blood sugar readings to share with the doctor. An oximeter can provide oxygen saturation levels, too. All of this is helpful information for your doctor during a telemedicine appointment.
Test Your Equipment First
About half an hour before the appointment, test your computer or phone to ensure the video and audio are working properly. Adjust volume levels if needed. If there are problems, you have time to address them or find another device.
If the lighting is bad, you can adjust that by adding a lamp nearby or opening blinds. If it’s too bright, you can turn off a light.
Find a Quiet Location
Make sure there’s a quiet place to talk to your doctor. You want to be free of distractions and sudden interruptions. Turn off a TV or music before you join your doctor online.
Premium Urgent Care offers telemedicine if that matches your schedule or concern best. It’s the ideal option for patients who have flu symptoms and don’t want to leave their house but need help determining if it’s the flu, COVID, or something else. If a doctor decides your symptoms are severe enough to see a doctor in person, you’ll know. If not, you have medical advice without the trip to and from the clinic.
What are some of the things our doctors and nurses can help with through a telemedicine appointment?
- Cold, COVID, and Flu Viruses
- Eye Irritation/Pink Eye
- Minor Burn
- Minor Stomach Problems
- Rashes and Skin Irritation
- Scrapes and Scratches
Through video cameras, your doctor can look at a cut or scrape, burn, rash, or skin irritation and determine if it’s something you can treat on your own or if it requires medical care. A cut might be fine if you clean and bandage it, but it might need stitches and a doctor can tell you that. If you have a cough and congestion, your doctor can recommend over-the-counter medications or determine if you should come in for a quick exam.
Click Telemedicine to fill out the form and make an appointment to talk to a doctor. You do need video and audio on your phone or computer.