In old times, healthcare services at one’s doorstep were common. With the advancement in the healthcare system, hospitals, and clinics drifted the attention of society. Later on, COVID-19 introduced us to social distancing and instigated people to frequently access the telemedicine option. Healthcare providers and professionals were highly concerned about the safety of surrounding people. It resultantly gave rise to virtual appointments and consultations with a doctor via phone call. Scrolling down you can understand the reasons to choose telemedicine and the challenges on its way.
Telehealth or telemedicine allows a patient to contact the doctor sitting safely in the home. Telemedicine requires a video or audio call between the doctor and the patient. Doctors examine the patient physically via video call. Later, the healthcare provider advises the patient and sends the prescription to start a treatment. Some patients need only consultation. They discuss their physical or psychological matter for further referrals.
Telemedicine is not confined to busy workers but is also an ideal option for rural residents. Those who live in the countryside with insufficient health services can take great advantage of this virtual aid. In addition, telemedicine also caters to the needs of underserved people like handicapped and aged ones. Holding several benefits, telehealth insists people move towards advanced healthcare services.
Let us weigh the reasons that make it a good option for its users:
● Convenient
Virtual clinics are ideal options for far-away patients. In addition, virtual access to healthcare is highly convenient. One cannot miss a doctor’s appointment due to a busy schedule. Just click on your smartphone and access your health provider instantly. No need to travel and spend extra money and time. No need to miss the healthcare options for any reason whether you live in a remote area or you are busy at the office.
● Time-saving & Cost Effective
In some cases, a patient needs to consult multiple health professionals and they have to pay high charges. In other cases, they have to travel frequently from one hospital to another. Virtual healthcare providers not only save your time but cost as well. Switching from one consultant to another is super easy and accessible.
● Seek multiple healthcare options
Instead of relying on your area’s clinic or hospital, you can search for better options. No matter where you are, you can contact the doctors and surgeons of other cities and countries. A virtual patient has a wide array of options. If you are unsatisfied with a certain practitioner, you can move to search for other competitors.
● Better healthcare quality
Within a large pool of competition, several telehealth apps are active. One can track blood pressure, pulse, heartbeat, and other metabolism activities. Your consultant may ask you to prepare a chart using medicine apps. Consequently, your health progress can better be tracked and monitored via online consultancy apps.
● Quick access to overseas professionals
Telemedicine has opened access to the international doctors and medical professionals. Now, you need not to travel other countries with your reports. You can make virtual appointments and get quick consultations from famous professionals. In spoke cases, physical surgeries are recommended and those cannot be performed online. However, telehealth has increased the trust of medical professionals.
Like other IT options, telemedicine also carries some disadvantages. Have a look at the top of them:
● Privacy concerns
Online data is more prone to hackers and scams. Cybercriminals can steal the confidential data of patients and misuse it to blackmail someone for several reasons. Privacy of the data and data breaches are common challenges that healthcare p[providers often face.
● In-person visits are often mandatory
Telemedicine is confined to consultancy and simple prescriptions. A lack of technological integration leads to a lack of resources. Not all patients can be facilitated online. the complicated disorders often require in-detail physical examination that is not possible online.
Another distinct element that puts the telemedicine on back foot is the testing procedure. In some cases, doctors require instant ultrasounds or other advanced tests of the patients. It is impossible for a patient sitting at home to provide fresh test reports.
● Poor doctor-patient relationship
It is one of the biggest advantages that you cannot build a good connection with your healthcare provider. Patients may often feel that doctors are strangers to them. Building a rapport between the two persons online may be difficult in the first meeting. However, frequent virtual visits may help to establish a connecting relationship.
Telemedicine is a good choice when you are suffering from infectious diseases. Social distancing and avoiding the public saves you and others from the germ contact. Hospitals and medical complexes are at greater risk of spreading infectious diseases. Telemedicine is always a good course of action when you are suffering from flu, fever, or any kind of skin disease. People also click on tele-apps to get consultations for mild disorders.
On the other hand, patients with chronic disorders have to pay in-person visits to the clinic or service provider. Moreover, doctors can combine in-person visits with online check-ups and prescriptions. Doctors also monitor patients’ metabolism and track their progress using teleapps. It enhances the trust and reliability of the treatment sessions.
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