Telemedicine is a medical tool that allows health care professionals to diagnose, evaluate and treat patients who are located far away. Telemedicine can also be defined as the use of telecommunications technology by a medical professional to make healthcare more cost-effective and accessible and increase patient engagement. Over the years, this medical approach has undergone tremendous development and is gradually becoming a vital part of the American healthcare infrastructure. With telemedicine, patients and physicians can now share information from one computer or phone to another in real-time. Here, we will discuss more telemedicine.
How is telemedicine conducted?
According to https://osler-health.com/, telemedicine can be conducted in several ways. The most basic is through a simple video call, but most states often require the use of a secured HIPAA compliant video conference tool. Another way telemedicine can be conducted is with portable telemedicine kits, which usually include a PC and mobile medical devices, such as vital signs monitors or ECGs. Most physicians often use robust telemedicine software that allows everything from live video conferencing to medical data storage. With the recent advancements in technology, many innovative telemedicine tools have been created to meet the daily needs of patients.
What are the benefits of telemedicine?
There are a number of medical benefits associated with telemedicine, especially when you seek medical care from a qualified medical physician. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- Lower medical costs. Research has proven that the use of telemedicine results in less time in the hospital. This means less commuting time and improved cost savings.
- Preventive care. Telemedicine makes it easier for patients to receive preventive care that boosts their long-term health.
- Slows the spread of infection. Visiting the doctor’s office can increase your chances of getting infected by sick people. This can pose a severe health hazard to people with pre-existing medical conditions or weak immune systems.
- Convenience. Telemedicine allows you to access medical care in the comfort and privacy of your own home. This is particularly helpful for people with busy work schedules.
- Better access to medical care. Another advantage of telemedicine is that it allows people with disabilities, people who are incarcerated, and those who are geographically isolated to access medical care.
What are the disadvantages of telemedicine?
Unfortunately, telemedicine may not be appropriate for all patients as it has the following drawbacks:
- No insurance cover. Not all insurance companies cover telemedicine. Thus, the patient has to deal with the expenses.
- Medical care delays. A doctor cannot digitally provide laboratory tests or live-saving care when a patient needs emergency medical care.
Final Thoughts
Telemedicine services in Singapore are quickly growing in popularity due to the numerous benefits associated with telecommunication networks. Patients also prefer telemedicine to visit doctors in their offices if they feel unwell, have a busy work schedule, serve quarantine, are travelling, or have newly-born children. Regardless of your current condition, Osler offers telemedicine service and online medical consultations at your convenience.