What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare services that offers remote diagnosis using the technology and treat patients remotely.
Top reasons why telemedicine is popular
Telemedicine is start to become popular from later part of 20th century. The technology is playing the vital role here and creating the space to adopt the concept by both patients and physicians. While there are many other reasons to its popularity, less cost to the patient, reduced wait time to talk to clinician for minor ailments, non-urgent medical needs, convenience and fidelity are few more reasons that create more buzz in the industry.
Types of Telemedicine
Telemedicine can be largely classified in to the below three types based on its purpose of the solutions it serves.
- Interactive real-time telemedicine
- Remote patient monitoring
- Store and forward
Interactive real-time telemedicine
Interaction between physician and patient in real-time using the technologies that complies with HIPAA regulations
Remote patient monitoring
Monitoring remote patients from their home using mobile monitoring devices and transfer instantly that is available for review by caregivers
Store and forward
Providers to share the data such as lab results, patient information to a physician in another location
Telemedicine can be used for a variety of medical services, including:
• Consultations with specialists
• Diagnostic testing
• Prescription management
• Health education
• Remote monitoring of patients
Telemedicine can be delivered via a variety of platforms, including:
• Telephone
• Video conferencing
• Mobile applications
• Web-based applications
The use of telemedicine is growing rapidly, as more and more patients and doctors are taking advantage of the many benefits it offers.
Benefits of telemedicine
Telemedicine is an important tool that can help to improve access to medical care and improve health outcomes for patients. There are many benefits of telemedicine, for both patients and doctors.
Patients can benefit from:
• Increased access to medical care
• Reduced travel time and costs
• Increased convenience
• Improved health outcomes
Doctors can benefit from:
• Increased efficiency
• Reduced no-show rates
• Increased patient satisfaction
• Improved patient outcomes
