How Telemedicine is Transforming Non-Critical Healthcare

Telemedicine has been put on a fast forward mode by the ongoing pandemic. But beyond this, teleconsultation, video consultation or telemedicine promises to cater to those who have little or no access to medical care when they need it the most. This can be a boon to those stuck in situations demanding medical attention that are not emergencies. With help from telemedicine, medical advice can now be anytime, anywhere, which sounds relieving.

Telemedicine will revolutionize Healthcare (Image courtesy Freepik)

So, what is Telemedicine?

In simple words, telemedicine allows users to log into a healthcare provider portal and video call or chat with doctors/ clinicians for remedial measures. This is sometimes a better solution than physically visiting a doctor’s office or hospital. After the session, or repeat sessions, these users can reach treatment options or valuable treatment suggestions. Medical emergencies are not to be handled using telemedicine but can be complimentary to such situations.

In existence for more than half a century, telemedicine started off first in the 1950s, going on to video/ app-based consultation in the recent past. Telemedicine does not include remote patient monitoring. However, it can be a part of remote patient monitoring.

Uses

· First opinion on health issues

· Post-consultation follow-up

· Post-surgery advice

· Mental Health

· Simpler health issues such as flu, cold, skin troubles or indigestion

Remote Access

Telemedicine can be useful in cases where patients are holed up in remote areas with little or no access to medical care. A teleconsultation will help them with the first instance of healing, or bring down the need for a physical visit. The costs associated with such visits can thus be brought down, which can be a sizeable one for the patient in question.

Telemedicine can also be of help when the patient is bedridden and is attended to by a caregiver or an in-house healthcare system. Home-based COVID19 care is a modern example if the situation is not an emergency. Remote care can be carried out in addition to teleconsultation. Another situation where telemedicine becomes essential is when the concerned person is travelling and is not able to physically take remedial measures.

A significant feature of teleconsultation is the provision for insurance coverage, just as they would be in the case of physical consultations. Calls (both video & audio) can be recorded and sent for future reference. Patients also receive notifications & alerts for appointment follow ups and cancellations.

Benefits

· Safe, secure, and smooth consulting experience

· Savings in terms of resources — money & time

· Zero chances of infectivity in case of transmissible diseases

· Family involvement in treatment

· Attract more Gen Z patients with digital awareness

· Prevents patients from switching to other facilities

· Frees valuable hospital resources such as beds

· Reduction in operational costs

· Productivity enhancement — staff can be free for other important tasks

· Video consulting is a gateway to increased patient flow leading to revenue enhancement

Challenges

Data security and compliance needs to be met stringently by the providers of telemedical systems. Ambiguities in the area of handling medical records, patient personal details, interoperability and data security norms are not tolerated here. Sensitive patient data has to be handled in accordance to strict compliance norms. Data protection and compliance measures such as encryption and HIPAA are to be strictly followed.

Terveys Technologies is a front runner in the area of telemedicine. For more details on how you can ensure patient satisfaction and comfort in addition to secure consultation, please reach out to us.