Telemedicine made its debut in the late 1950s, but it is only now becoming more mainstream. If you like not having to make trips to your doctor’s office, you are not alone. Telemedicine involves the use of technology to deliver healthcare services in remote areas. There are different types of telemedicine, but the common ones include store and forwards, interactive medicine, and remote patient monitoring.
Table Of Contents
The following are different advantages of telemedicine.
Comfort and convenience
The idea that you can get online medical consultation means that you don’t have to drive to your doctor’s office or clinic. You can see your doctor from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need for transportation costs. Virtual visits are easier to fit into your busy schedule, making it less likely for you to miss your doctor’s appointments. With telemedicine, you don’t have to ask for a day off at work or worry about arranging for child care. No one wants to make long queues, especially when sick. Thanks to online consultations, you don’t have to wait for hours before seeing your doctor.
Improved access to healthcare
Accessing healthcare services has never been this effortless, thanks to telemedicine. Telemedicine makes it easier to access healthcare services regardless of your geographical location. If your home is miles away from a health centre, you can easily reach out to a doctor through online means. It is easier to postpone or avoid appointments with your doctor due to the inconvenience of visiting the office. With telemedicine, you can consult a healthcare provider whenever you notice unusual symptoms, making it easier to control diseases.
Telemedicine has also made it possible for physically challenged individuals to access quality care. Since there’s no need to travel from one place to the other, medical appointments are no longer a challenge for people with physical disabilities. Women with high-risk pregnancies who require regular consultations with their doctors can also benefit from telemedicine.
Better management of chronic conditions
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes require constant medical appointments, which can be tiring. The good news is that telemedicine allows patients to manage their health conditions virtually through the help of doctors. If you have diabetes, you can record your blood sugar readings and send them to your doctor instead of going to a health facility. Due to telemedicine’s convenience, patients can now better manage their health conditions.
Telemedicine also promotes patient engagement, an essential aspect of disease management and prevention. Patients who actively take care of their health are more informed and improve their chances of a speedy recovery.
Access to specialists
Sometimes your doctor may refer you to a specialist who may be in a foreign country or miles away from where you stay. Telemedicine leverages the expertise of specialists who are not nearby, making it better to manage serious health issues. It is better to work with the best when it comes to health management than with the closest.
Although telemedicine has several benefits, it also has its downsides. For example, if your doctor recommends a blood test, you may need to visit a nearby facility since such tests can’t be performed online. Consult your doctor at Osler Health International to learn more about telemedicine.
