Let’s be honest – the fact that advanced technology allows us to carry out most activities from the comfort of our own home has made us work-shy. A few years ago it was almost out of the question to imagine that medical assistance would soon be available this way too. Nonetheless, the advancement of telemedicine has puzzled all those who doubted it. And not only that – it has become one of the most useful services the internet could ever provide to its users.
This phenomenon represents the use of electronic communications and technologies in order to perform health care and education when participants are physically separated. It can also be called long-distance treatment and it definitely brings more benefits than one might assume.
If you are surrounded by people who are skeptical about this idea, or if you are the one who is suspicious, keep reading. This text will highlight several reasons why you may want to try this today.
Accessibility
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One of the primary advantages of this type of treatment is its availability to those who may have difficulty accessing their GPs and consulting rooms due to various reasons. Telemedicine is unquestionably helpful for people from rural areas who would otherwise have to drive for hours to get health care. The only thing they need is the internet – and a subscription. It’s also the best option for the ones who have to wait for scheduled appointments and who are in need of advice.
Quality
When we say quality, we mean, first and foremost, compliance with medical and technical standards. These standards relate to the acquisition, archiving and transmission of relevant medical images, videos and other medical information. Standardized quality of telemedicine devices and systems, as well as the computer equipment quality levels, are also relevant.
Therefore, there’s no reason to be worried – the quality of this type of service is well-controlled quite appropriate to the complexity of medicine. Its whole concept is designed to keep up with real, face-to-face meetings with your doctor. There are many ways to find out more about this, for example, visiting websites like healthcareweekly.com where you can find a handful of useful information.
Modernisation
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This part is more than clear if one considers the fact that several decades ago this type of consultation was just a fantasy. Science has advanced to the point where a physician can forward diagnostic images such as x-rays and medical history to a telemedicine physician for review.
A telemedicine doctor may have sufficient information to diagnose and even create an appropriate treatment plan even though the patient is not around. There is also telemonitoring that allows the control of vital signs through systems installed near the patient, and thus providing medical care without institutionalization.
Money-saving
It is common knowledge that individual examinations with a specialist often require paying an arm and a leg. Depending on the type of health problem, scheduled appointments can often cost hundreds of dollars, which is unaffordable for many patients.
There is no need to emphasize how many cases it’s the price of treatment that leads to the avoidance of an appointment with a doctor and very often to the worsening of the condition, which can have very serious and even fatal consequences. According to research, the price of such visits is lower by up to 40-50% compared to a traditional visit to a private clinic.
More dedication for patients
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In some countries, patients often complain about the lack of commitment when it comes to GPs. There is no such thing in telemedicine. Regardless of whether the patient’s condition is better or worse, whether he’s younger or older, you get a specialist who is able to pay more attention to the problem.
There are no other patients waiting in line. No opening hours and no closing time, since they are often available 24/7. You also have the opportunity to tell your doctor more about your medical history and ask some questions for which otherwise there might not be enough time.
Versatility
As this virtual medicine idea grows and evolves, so does the range of medical branches it includes. Telemedicine sessions aren’t limited to physical health (like radiology or cardiology) – they are also dedicated to mental health care. Due to its progress, telemedicine now includes advice and treatment in many medical fields and there are very few things that differentiate this type of treatment from a regular visit.
