Rapid advances in technology have drastically changed how we communicate with each other—and with our doctors! One of the most profound improvements provided by advances in technology is telemedicine. Telemedicine is an incredible method of providing healthcare quickly and efficiently through fast communication between a patient and physician or practitioner. With telemedicine, patients are more easily able to connect with their healthcare professionals to get the care that they need from the safety and comfort of home.
If you are interested in a telemedicine consultation, contact any of the telemedicine providers below. You may wish to speak with more than one to find the physician that will best meet your needs.
Learn about the technologies available and how telemedicine can make your healthcare experience faster, more affordable and more efficient.
Telemedicine, also commonly referred to as telehealth, is the use of audiovisual equipment to provide health assessment, diagnosis, intervention, consultation and supervision with a physician over distance, rather than meeting in person. Some of the common technologies of telemedicine include videoconferencing over the internet and wireless communication.
Telemedicine has proven to be a powerful tool for reaching patients in remote regions, patients who are immobile and patients who are at risk of disease and can more easily receive healthcare attention at home.
Telemedicine has many great benefit for both the patient and practitioner. Telemedicine is generally more cost effective than face-to-face consultations and examinations. Because patients can consult with their doctor from home, it is much easier for elderly patients and those with mobility restrictions to get the care they need.
Telemedicine is also valuable for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases. This is incredibly important for the safety of elderly individuals and those who are immunocompromised.
Telemedicine can take many different forms depending on each patient’s needs and the technology available to both the patient and physician. For many patients, live videoconferencing with a physician is the preferred approach, but it is not the only one. There are four common approaches to telemedicine, as described below.
Many states require insurance providers to cover telemedicine, but not all of them. As telemedicine grows more popular, more states, insurance companies and physicians are incorporating it, but each with varying rules and restrictions.
To ensure that you are covered, please speak with both your insurance provider and your telemedicine provider of choice.