The Importance of Telemedicine
Let’s say you are unable to physically go into your doctor’s office for a regular consultation with your physician – whether it be for personal reasons, you’re out of town, you’d rather not wait in a long line, or there’s a global pandemic. Yes, because of COVID-19, ordinary things like dining out, grocery shopping, or regular doctor’s appointments have completely changed.
This pandemic has posed a unique set of challenges for healthcare, but it has also given the health system and its patients a chance to hone in the importance of telemedicine. We want to help you better understand telemedicine services and how they’re shaping so much of what healthcare is today.
What Exactly is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is a 21st-century approach to healthcare that’s both interactive and personal. By utilizing telecommunication technology, doctors and patients can reach one another from anywhere, any time. Through a simple call, video chat, or message, physicians are able to adequately assist in diagnosing and treating patients without being in the same room or even geographic location as them. You can imagine why this is so important as person-to-person contact is limited at this time, especially in hospitals or healthcare facilities.
In the past, telemedicine was formatted specifically to meet the needs of patients who preferred to ask questions and discuss their health at their own convenience. While this still remains true, telemedicine services have become more of a must than a want, especially if concerns are not directly related to COVID-19.
How Does it Work?
Now you might be wondering how it works, or what’s covered under telemedicine services. First, telemedicine makes it possible for you to be treated from a distance. Whether you’re experiencing minor yet common medical issues, need a follow-up, or are unable to go to your healthcare clinic, telehealth works to make things quick and easy for you.
What Typical Telemedicine Should Cover
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General health assessment
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Proper and adequate diagnosis
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Treatment plans
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Potential interventions
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Connection to partner specialists
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Access to electronic medical information
In addition, healthcare services such as labs and procedures should be made convenient and accessible by your physician. Through your telecommunication, your doctor will also walk you through the steps of how you can access medications (whether they’re sent to you at a wholesale price or available for pickup at your local pharmacy).
Who Does it Benefit?
Although telemedicine is the new norm due to unforeseen circumstances, it’s highly beneficial for both the physician and patient involved – arguably more beneficial than a regular checkup, in some specific cases. Not only is it convenient, but it’s also cost effective and time efficient as regular checkups can result in high costs and cut out a large chunk of time in your day.
Furthermore, telemedicine services are protecting patients, physicians and the community from exposure to the coronavirus. While telemedicine wasn’t created solely for disasters or public health emergencies, it has been extremely beneficial in response to this crisis.
Telemedicine in Huntington Beach
Whether you reside in Huntington Beach or not, you can receive convenient, personalized telemedicine services from our physicians here at Elevated Health. Allow our doctors to consult with you electronically and walk you through your current health conditions and give you the care you deserve. With the gravity of this pandemic, you may think your health needs aren’t as important as others’, but we’re here to take care of you and any questions you may have about your health.
Through telemedicine, we can answer your questions or pull up your medical history in real time. It enables our providers to talk with you 24/7, and removes the inconvenience of scheduling an appointment and taking time to travel to and from the clinic.