In the middle of crunching deadlines and back-to-back meetings, the last thing you probably want to deal with is a minor health issue. You know you should get that nagging cough seen to or finally make that long-overdue appointment to discuss your stress levels, but squeezing in a clinic visit now means moving mountains to rearrange your schedule. Don’t most of your busy workdays end with a painful squeeze into an overcrowded train? Telemedicine will have you covered in these situations, so prepare yourself to start reading our blog about telemedicine without skipping a single line.
Telemedicine has quickly evolved over the past decade, and if you are living under a rock or are simply trying to keep up with your busy professional life, you might not be aware of it yet.
In a nutshell, telemedicine (or telehealth, for short) means delivering medical care at a distance, using electronic information and communication technologies. This comes in the form of live video (synchronous) or store-and-forward (asynchronous) telehealth services, both allowing patients to receive clinical services from the comfort of their homes (or even their offices) and without the need to travel to a medical facility.
Why is telemedicine so special?
OMNIA Telehealth and similar platforms offer the healthcare market the only and direct possibility of finally eliminating the overwhelming issue that most of us face in getting a prompt appointment for anything except emergencies or seriously unpleasant and outright urgent medical issues.
Telemedicine is not some diluted healthcare “lite” version that you get when you cannot face queuing for hours at a GP clinic. It is a full-fledged professional service offered with the same quality standards as that of any in-person clinic but, naturally, with a couple of special (distance) conditions.
There are a few keys to making it all work so that it is not some gimmick but a very useful feature to complement your healthcare support:
Ease of communication (and logistics)
Telemedicine is, by definition, a form of electronic communication. You and your health care providers communicate through secure video links, so no more physical travel for appointments or prescriptions—which is a fantastic advantage if you happen to be busy, live in a rural area or simply are trying to avoid public transport as much as possible these days.
The technologies involved are surprisingly simple. Videoconferencing via encrypted channels (yes, HIPAA compliant) and EHRs (electronic health records) are among the more commonly used telemedicine applications—and, by most accounts, are among the most useful. Your medical records are immediately available, which means no more rummaging through filing cabinets or having to re-narrate your history for the umpteenth time.
To put this in perspective: the average telemedicine visit takes around 15 minutes. For comparison, one hour (or more) to drive to the clinic, wait, see the doctor and drive back is a conservative estimate. Telemedicine, on the other hand, can be squeezed in between most other daily activities with very little disruption to your life.
Effectiveness
We’re not just talking about saving time here. Around 76% of patients rate telemedicine visits as comparable to in-person care—and research seems to back that up. After all, a typical visit involves describing your symptoms, getting some questions answered, and receiving advice.
It makes sense: most appointments do not require a physical examination to be effective. And the specialist you would see in person is just as accessible through telemedicine platforms as your local GP—whether that’s a dermatologist to advise you on that weird rash, a psychiatrist for ongoing support, or simply another pair of experienced eyes to share your test results.
Cost
Telemedicine appointments save you money, not just in travel and associated costs like fuel and parking but in actual cash. Some estimates put this at about $100 per visit, but that will vary based on where you live and work, your insurance (more on that below), and, of course, the type of service.
You should already be covered for most telemedicine visits, by the way. Many insurers expanded their telemedicine coverage in the last few years, and you can always check with your insurance provider if they work with Omnia Telehealth and other telemedicine service providers. Even if you are paying out of pocket, the costs are often lower than for traditional visits.
Signing Up: No Pain, No Gain
Choosing a telemedicine service provider may sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Check first with your insurance provider to see if they already cover specific telemedicine services and which platforms they work with—this will also tell you whether they can directly invoice them or if you pay separately.
Omnia Telehealth is one of the leading telemedicine companies in the US with a full range of integrated services that include direct billing and seamless integration with your existing healthcare providers.
Before your first telemedicine appointment, a quick check of your technology is always a good idea: make sure your internet connection is fast enough, your camera and microphone work, and that you have installed any required apps.
Privacy
Privacy and security are common concerns with telemedicine, but they are not an insurmountable barrier. First, take the simple steps to protect your own information, like using a secure location with headphones, for example, if you are not in your own home. Wearable tech and at-home testing are also more common these days, allowing for remote monitoring in some cases.
Telemedicine is not about replacing in-person healthcare but offering a different route when that is more convenient for you. The platforms we mentioned above take privacy and security seriously, using encryption and secure servers. The technology has also evolved over the past decade, making it easier for both you and your providers to use at-home telemedicine services safely and effectively.
Maintenance
If you want to get the most out of telemedicine, make it a regular part of your healthcare routine. Telemedicine allows you to manage chronic conditions, mental health, and even your annual checkups without the need to travel across town every time. The more you use it, the easier it becomes.
The future
OMNIA Telehealth and many other service providers are already using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools to help with triage and ongoing monitoring of common conditions. Wearables and mobile health (mHealth) apps are making it easier than ever to collect and track health data in real time.
Telemedicine itself is also continuing to evolve: from the simple doctor-patient video calls of today to the possibility of remote surgery in the future. Right now, it is a tool to make healthcare more accessible, especially for those living in rural areas or with limited mobility.
Conclusion
Telemedicine is not perfect for every situation: you will still need in-person care for emergencies, severe injuries, complex conditions, and some tests and procedures. However, for the vast majority of healthcare needs, it is a safe, effective, and convenient option.
It is especially useful for busy professionals who need to stay on top of their health but have limited time and flexibility to attend in-person appointments regularly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I receive prescriptions through telemedicine?
Yes, telemedicine providers can prescribe medications during your virtual visit, just as they would in person. Providers send prescriptions electronically to your pharmacy of choice.
Can I use telemedicine for mental health services?
Yes, telemedicine is widely used for mental health support, including therapy and counseling services. Many patients find it a convenient way to access ongoing mental health care.
Is telemedicine suitable for all health issues?
Telemedicine is excellent for common illnesses, prescription refills, mental health, chronic disease management, and follow-up appointments. However, for emergencies, severe injuries, or conditions needing physical examination or tests, in-person visits are necessary.
How can I prepare for my first telemedicine visit?
Test your equipment beforehand, ensure you have a stable internet connection, and have a working camera and microphone, and download any necessary apps. Choose a quiet, private space for the appointment, and have your insurance information, medications, and questions ready.
Are my telemedicine visits secure and private?
When using reputable, HIPAA-compliant providers, your health information is encrypted and stored securely. To maintain your privacy, use a private location, a secure internet connection, and keep login details confidential.
Can I see my regular doctor via telemedicine?
Yes, if your telemedicine provider integrates with your existing electronic health records, your primary care physician can access information from your telemedicine visits, ensuring continuity of care.