The sudden lockdown enforced on billions of people worldwide to combat the COVID-19 pandemic has created a crisis in health care access. Millions struggle with disrupted routine and health care needs, and have been postponing doctor visits, fearing exposure to the extremely infectious virus. That’s where telemedicine has helped fill the gap between the doctor and the patient. But what is telemedicine?
Telemedicine
Telemedicine refers to a wide spectrum of the latest technologies and tactics used to remotely deliver virtual medical and health services. Recently, it has been announced that medical practitioners can utilize available non-public facing video platforms used 'in good faith' to connect with their patients and- that the overarching privacy rules laid down by the HIPAA regulations will be relaxed temporarily.
How does it work?
Telemedicine takes the entire process of seeing a doctor into a virtual environment. Patients do not have the front desk or physical resources to confirm their appointment. Alternatively, they'll schedule their appointment online and get a connection to a video or audio call via email or SMS.
There are three ways in which patients can meet their doctors: synchronous (or live video), asynchronous, and remote patient monitoring (RPM). Beyond this, the public can also take advantage of cell phone networks to receive healthcare care.
Is telemedicine the future of medicine?
Telemedicine is not a very new thing. Numerous caregivers have used telemedicine in various ways to support patients who are elderly, immobile, remotely located, or disable. Through telemedicine, people can save travel, even in normal times and avoid skipping workdays or calling in sick to go to the doctor’s office.
Telemedicine services will also be of tremendous help to the less mobile patients or patients recovering from invasive surgeries and going through long rest and recovery periods. In fact, it is better than attending any hospital at any time as it reduces your risk of getting accidental germ exposure.
With its potential to offer exposure free or inexpensive care to remote locations, make quality care accessible almost 24/7, reduce crowding at medical facilities, and reduce travel, one can genuinely see telemedicine services assuming becoming more important even after the pandemic.
CityDoc is a leader in telemedicine visits in North Texas and we are here for you. We provide affordable health care as an in-network provider for most insurance plans. If you're without insurance, our easy self-pay pricing will go easy on the wallet.
Relax at home or work and connect with CityDoc for telemedicine services, which will provide 24/7 access to board-certified physicians for all non-emergent illnesses. Visit www.citydoc.net today for more information.
