In the past, doctors made regular house calls to provide medical assistance to patients who were homebound because of severe illnesses. This convenience is rarely heard of these days. The need, however, does still exist. In fact, for the more than 100 million Americans suffering from chronic disease, going to an office to receive medical treatment can be quite an ordeal.
Now, thanks to modern technology, the internet, and telehealth, your patients no longer have to endure the difficulties that come with getting health care. They can skip the extra time required to dress, only to have to undress again at the office, the long and sometimes uncomfortable drive to the doctor’s office, and the slow and painful maneuvering required to get in and out of a vehicle.
With telehealth, your patients suffering from chronic disease can get the medical treatment they need right in the convenience of their own homes. But there are other ways telehealth can benefit your patients, not just those suffering from chronic disease, but all patients.
Sensitive Treatments: The 28th annual European Association of Urology Congress presented research showing that “75% of men with ED do not seek treatment.” While there are a number of reasons for this, one of the main reasons is the embarrassment that men have when that particular part of the body isn’t working as it should. This sense of embarrassment isn’t limited to erectile dysfunction. In fact, there are many other diagnoses that go untreated because of embarrassment. Telehealth takes away that embarrassment by allowing your patients to seek treatment in the privacy of their homes where they are most comfortable.
Rare Conditions: One major benefit of telehealth is that it allows patients in rural areas the convenience of seeking medical treatment in their own homes without having to travel long distances. However, there are cases in which people who have easy access to doctors may need to seek treatment from a specialist not found in their area. In those cases, telehealth gives them access to doctors who specialize in rare conditions but are located in other parts of the world.
Second Opinions: To have to see one doctor for a cancer diagnosis is difficult enough, but if a patient wants a second opinion, that process becomes twice as hard. For some people, prior to receiving treatment for a painful surgical procedure with a long recovery time, getting a second or even third opinion is paramount. At the same time, busy schedules and the need for immediate treatment make this extra difficult. Telemedicine makes getting that second opinion from you as easy as going online during a lunch break.
The truth is, telemedicine has many benefits for both your patients and clinical staff including easier patient access, lower costs, time saved and greater patient satisfaction. Furthermore, as technology advances, even more benefits will arise. In fact, home monitoring devices for diabetes, heart conditions and other illnesses that allow doctors to look closer into a patient’s condition are already in use. These devices, when paired with telehealth from your office, give patients the quality medical care that everyone deserves.
If you haven’t considered providing telehealth services to your patients, now’s the time to look into it. Connect with us at SecureVideo today to learn what our services can do for your medical practice.