Telemedicine Growing with New Technology in Healthcare?

In recent decades, telemedicine has become one of the leading service delivery models in healthcare. Creating an opportunity for physicians to reach patients around the world, telemedicine is changing the way hospitals, clinics and private practices impact those who need them most. 

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine is the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of patients via technology. Using video connection, examination cameras and telephone conferencing, physicians are able to service patients around the globe. The latest technology allows physicians to examine patients as reliably as they would face-to-face.

Originally designed to assist patients in remote locations who were unable to access healthcare in their area, telemedicine created an opportunity for people around the globe to access the care that they need. Prior to telemedicine, millions of individuals in the United States and throughout the world were without access to any healthcare, resulting in widespread suffering. Servicing individuals in remote areas is still a major focus of telehealth today. However, the benefits of this platform expand much further, increasing the outcomes of care for both patients and physicians. 

Telemedicine is the Future

Improved Efficiency 

The use of telemedicine significantly improves the efficiency of healthcare for all parties, including patients and healthcare organizations. Telemedicine is the most time effective type of service delivery simply because patients do not have to take the time to travel to a hospital or clinic. Instead, patients are able interact with their physician in the comfort of their homes, without having to go through the unnecessary hassle of getting to and from the appointment. For those with conditions that make it difficult or impossible to travel without special accomodations, telemedicine is giving these patients the peace of mind that they can receive care without the stress. Time is also saved without the wait that most people dread prior to any doctor's appointment or hospital stay.

Comfort & Privacy

There is nothing more comfortable than being in a place that you feel safe and secure. As much as healthcare organizations can attempt to make their practices feel relaxing and serene, most the time patients end up feeling uneasy. Telemedicine allows patients to receive the care that they need wherever is most pleasant for them. There is also an increased level of privacy using telemedicine, as patients can choose where they would like to be seen. Especially in hospitals and practices where patients are seen in close quarters, having a sense of privacy is a major benefit to telemedicine. 

More Appointments, Less Cancellations

Because patients can be seen when and where is most convenient for them, doctors receive fewer cancellations and reschedules using telemedicine. Not only does this improve the efficiency of the office, but it opens up time for physicians to see more patients. By keeping a schedule without last minute cancellations, physicians are able to stay on track to see the maximum number of appointments possible.

Who Can Use Telemedicine?

Telemedicine can be used for a variety of patients with a range of needs. Some common applications of telemedicine include:

● Chronic Diseases: Patients with chronic diseases need to be seen by a physician regularly. The management of chronic diseases is made simple, as patients can easily connect with their doctor without the hassle of a conventional appointment.

● Follow-Up Visits: Instead of having to coming back for an additional follow-up visit, patients are more likely to check in with their physician.

● Prevention Care: Telemedicine allows patients to connect with doctors to discuss and plan preventative strategies for conditions like smoking, weight loss, diabetes and more.

● Geriatric Support: For those in need of assisted living and frequent check-ups, physicians can be on call in case of emergency at a moment’s notice.

Telemedicine is changing healthcare for the better, increasing the quality of care for patients across the globe. 

For more information about the future of telemedicine, visit https://www.globalmed.com/.