The traditional medical hospitalization definition has been changed drastically since the advent of telemedicine. Telemedicine is the new trend in which healthcare providers meet with patients remotely via telephone or video. This practice has been available as long as a telephone, but recently it has been trending because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Technological improvements and changes in insurance compensation rulings have helped increase the approval of telemedicine. If it were not for this, doctors and therapists would have never connected with patients as easily, especially during the pandemic. Now, telemedicine has become popular, and professionals and patients have become more comfortable connecting virtually.
Benefits
Following are the benefits of altering from traditional medical hospitalization definition to telemedicine:
1- Easy Access to Physician
People do not have an ongoing relationship with a doctor that they can call at any time when they need one. But telemedicine now allows many online medical networks to offer 24/7 access to all kinds of a physician, without an appointment, at any time in the day.
2- Lower Cost
Healthline workers, like doctors and therapists, are expensive. Even people with good health insurance find them expensive at the time.
Telemedicine appointments generally cost less than in-person visits. Thus, it reduces extra costs, removing a limitation to care.
3- Medical Care for People without Health Insurance
Inadequate health insurance is an obstacle to seeing a doctor for many people. Because of this, many online companies provide cash-pay telemedicine, which does not require health insurance at all.
4- Medical Access in All Areas
Remote or rural areas have their benefits as well as drawbacks. People in such regions are often deprived of necessary medical attention. Therefore, telemedicine provides a way to meet with a doctor quickly for people who live many miles from any medical facility. It saves time and gives due medical assistance to those in need.
5- Reduced Exposure to Pathogens
Long hours of waiting in clinical waiting rooms with numerous other patients can risk the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other viral diseases. But, through telehealth, patients stay at home. It helps to avoid exposure to viruses and germs and protects medical professionals as well.
6- All the Time Care for Babies and Children
Babies can often get spiking fevers, and getting sick in the middle of the night is also very common. Instead of relying on an internet search, parents can use telemedicine services to connect with doctors who can give answers and provide a diagnosis, and even a prescription, when needed without wasting any time.
7- No Need to Worry about your Healthcare
Parents get sick, too, and it can be tough to take babies along to a doctor’s visit. Thus, telehealth eradicates this need and additional cost of childcare, such as hiring babysitters.
8- Doctors can Stay Home
Due to the pandemic, many clinics have closed or reduced their hours. Telemedicine has enabled doctors and therapists to handle patients safely from their home offices. This access also allows physicians and patients to connect on weekends too.
9- Reduced Medical Costs for Physicians
For physicians, telemedicine helps lower office costs, such as front desk help, electricity bills, etc.
10- Insurance Reimbursement
Telemedicine now allows doctors and therapists to charge for telehealth services, no matter where the patient is. It ensures payment before the start of the session.
11- Support Chronic Health Conditions
At-home monitoring tools can transfer readings to medical professionals to signal new symptoms, deteriorating health, and potential emergencies. It can help people get immediate assistance, which may be lifesaving.
12- Online Psychiatric Support
COVID-19 has made it challenging for many people to see therapists. Telemedicine has allowed therapeutic care to start or continue for people with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
13- Peer Support
Online therapists have support groups that have brought together people coping with challenges such as bereavement or infertility. These groups support each other in times of difficulty.
14- Reduced Anxiety
Many people do not like to go to the doctor because of phobias like agoraphobia. Telehealth provides a way to ask questions and gives access to medical support without leaving home. It can prevent people from getting care.
15- Physiotherapy at Home
Telemedicine allows physiotherapists to conduct and view exercises and therapies with home support for those getting physical treatment. It can help people recover from accidents and surgeries more quickly.
For more information, you can always visit the hospitals in Pakistan and get initial training for telemedicine.
