Telemedicine is a convenient way of providing remote healthcare services through video conferencing providers, and it offers a range of benefits for patients and healthcare providers alike. But just like any other service, there are some advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine everyone should be aware of.
From primary care consultations to psychotherapy and physical therapy, the possibilities with telemedicine are far too great to be ignored. But just like any service, it has a set of benefits and drawbacks.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of remote healthcare!
Understanding Telemedicine
Through the use of digital devices like computers and smartphones, healthcare providers are reaching more remote patients these days than ever before, all thanks to telemedicine.
Many people choose to use telemedicine as a supplemental healthcare option to get healthcare assessments done remotely instead of in person at the doctor’s rooms. Telemedicine is also a great alternative to physical, mental health treatments, assessments for minor infections, getting prescriptions, and other types of therapy such as physical and speech therapy.
What Advantages Does Telemedicine Have?
In general, telemedicine can lower admission rates in hospitals, shorten hospital stays, and lead to improved access to healthcare services. Here are some more benefits that telemedicine brings to the table!
Reduced Healthcare Costs for Patients
Patients that use telemedicine spend less time in hospitals, which provides cost-saving. By eliminating commuting costs to the doctor’s rooms, there are also fewer secondary expenses associated with healthcare costs on the patient’s side.
Improved Access to Care
Because telemedicine makes it easier for disabled patients to access their doctors, it dramatically enhances the accessibility of healthcare services. It’s also beneficial for senior citizens, individuals that are located in remote areas, and incarcerated people.
It’s Convenient
Since patients can access care in the privacy and comfort of their own homes, telemedicine is much more convenient than physical checkups with the doctor. It can also eliminate other barriers like having to take time off from work and making childcare arrangements in order to visit the doctor.
Offers Additional Revenue Streams for Physicians
Clinicians can supplement their income with the use of telemedicine since it allows them to provide care to more patients, which directly influences their revenue bottom-line.
What Drawbacks Does Telemedicine Have?
Telemedicine isn’t suitable for everyone and every situation. Here’s a look at some of the potential disadvantages of telemedicine when compared to traditional care methods.
Insurance
Not all medical health insurers cover telemedicine. Currently, there are just 26 states that require insurers to cover or reimburse the costs of telemedicine. The good news is that these laws are constantly changing, so this might soon be a concern of the past.
The Protection of Medical Data
Since everything is stored electronically when telemedicine is used, hackers and cybercriminals can gain access to a patient’s medical data, especially if patients access their telemedicine profiles on a public network and through unencrypted channels.
Licenses
State laws vary considerably. And that’s why clinicians can’t always practice medicine across state lines. It all depends on where their licenses permit them to operate and where their patients are located.
Technology
With a massive variety of telemedicine platforms currently available on the market, it can be challenging for healthcare providers to ding the most suitable one for their needs and those of their patients. The quality of care they’re able to provide can also be negatively impacted if they don’t have strong internet connections.
Wrapping Up the Advantages and Disadvantages of Telemedicine
Telemedicine was designed to make healthcare more accessible to patients that live in remote areas. It also works well in areas where healthcare facilities are understaffed. However, telemedicine can also be an excellent supplemental care measure for patients that live in urban areas where hospitals and healthcare providers are accessible.
It’s an excellent option for patients that can’t (or don’t want to) go into the doctor’s office. Still, it’s crucial for doctors and their patients to fully understand the telemedicine setup in order to reap maximum benefits.
Seldean is a multi-skilled content wizard that dedicates herself to writing content that goes beyond merely sparking interest in the audience.
0 Comments