The onset of the global pandemic caused telemedicine usage to skyrocket. The nature of COVID-19 caused more patients to rely on telemedicine services to ensure they received the care they needed. In a pre-COVID world, telemedicine visits faced barriers beyond real-time, synchronous audio and video communication. These barriers have come down due to COVID-19, and more clinicians have emplored to the possibility to expand utilizing telehealth services.
As telemedicine becomes more and more popular, it’s important to understand what a typical telemedicine appointment will look like.
What to expect from your telemedicine visit.
Telemedicine platforms that run effectively typically follow the same clinical guidelines that an in-person visit follows. These services utilize secure software that enables patient intake, scheduling, chart management, superbills, e-prescribing, and more!
Anyone using these services must ensure they have an effective internet connection to ensure seamless communication. Once you’re ready to begin your telemedicine visit, you will find that it follows a similar face-to-face visit. The physician will start by asking questions about your medical history. If the proper equipment is available, the clinician might record your weight, blood pressure, and temperature.
Cameras offer a greater telemedicine experience, as the doctor will be better equipped to inspect any areas of concern. As your visit comes to a close, you will either be given a diagnosis, guidance for ongoing evaluation, given a referral, provided a prescription, or arrangements may be made for follow-up care.
If for any reason you experience a glitch, like a dropped call, you will be reconnected to your appointment. Once you finish the appointment, you will be sent a record of your visit, which typically includes the details of your visit, medication instructions, and follow-up actions.
How can you ensure privacy when using telemedicine services?
The telemedicine services we provide our clients ensure HIPAA compliance. All technology used to perform these appointments ensures your privacy and information are protected from outside attacks.
COVID-19 and telemedicine services
COVID-19 care is one of the best uses for telemedicine services. The nature of the virus is extremely contagious, therefore, telemedicine offers an attractive solution. So, how exactly can telemedicine contribute to care during COVID-19?
First, it helps with detection. Telemedicine helps provide early detection for patients who are self-isolating and avoiding infected emergency rooms. When you use telemedicine services, you can contact a doctor who will help guide you to further care. High-risk patients, like seniors, chronically ill, and those living in close proximity to others can receive a lot of benefits from these services.
It also helps with containment. Providers are able to keep a closer eye on patients who have been diagnosed and are in quarantine. Those with symptoms that need to be monitored and tracked can utilize these services while also remaining quarantined.
Lastly, it helps with treatment. When a patient tests positive for COVID-19, they must isolate and they must ensure their symptoms are tracked. Data-capturing medical devices and video calls can help physicians capture vitals, oxygen saturation, respiratory function, and heart and lung sound without transporting the patient outside their home.
At SBMA, we believe in the power of telemedicine services, especially during the current pandemic. Because of this, we offer our clients telehealth services that meet the needs of their employees. Telemedicine services are convenient, reliable, and easy-to-use.
For more information, check out our guide to the pros and cons of telemedicine, here.
