The Benefits of Telemedicine
In-person visits are not always the most convenient option for healthcare. They often get in the way of your daily schedule, increasing the likelihood of missing your doctor’s appointment. Thanks to telemedicine, you now have the option of seeing Dr. Rohit Suri over a video conference on your smartphone or laptop. Telemedicine has been in use for decades, but it is only now becoming more mainstream.
What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine is a method of providing healthcare remotely through digital devices such as computers and smartphones. Providers can use telemedicine for various reasons, including assessing whether or not a patient needs treatment in person, writing or renewing prescriptions, and providing specific medical care such as mental health assessments. Telemedicine offers a range of benefits for patients and providers, the most common ones being:
Improved access to care
Access to healthcare may be challenging for certain groups of people, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who are geographically isolated. Fortunately, telemedicine makes it easier for these people since they can easily talk to their provider or a specialist from the comfort of their homes.
Lower costs
Telemedicine allows you to see your doctor virtually, meaning you do not have to spend time in the hospital nor need to commute there. It helps you avoid secondary expenses such as gas, childcare, and parking charges. Better still, there is no possibility of running into traffic jams, making you late for your appointment or getting back to work.
Convenience
Most people miss medical appointments since they often have to make long queues at the facility or take time out of work. With telemedicine, you can access care in the comfort and privacy of your home or office, making it less likely to miss an appointment.
Preventive care
Telemedicine makes it easier for people to access preventive healthcare services and improve their long-term health. The above is especially true for people with financial problems or geographic barriers to quality healthcare. Preventive telemedicine benefits patients with medical issues such as coronary artery disease since providers can easily monitor them and offer directives or instructions when necessary.
Fewer chances of catching an illness
Most of the time, you go to the doctor’s office hoping to find solutions to your health problems, but unfortunately, that is where you are also more likely to pick up an infection. Being at the hospital means being around several sick people, which can be dangerous, especially for people with weak immune systems or preexisting conditions. You do not have to worry about catching a new illness in a crowded waiting room, thanks to telemedicine.
Access to specialists
Sometimes, your doctor recommends you to a specialist for advanced treatment. If they live far away, you may need to invest a lot of time and drive long distances for each visit which can be tiresome. Telemedicine makes it easier to work with specialists regardless of distance.
Consult with your Nova Physician Wellness Center provider to know the care options you can access through telemedicine services.