TELEMEDICINE BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES LIST
Normally, doctors and other health care providers care for their patients in person at a facility such as a medical office, clinic, or hospital. But thanks to computers, smartphones, and other new digital technologies, medical professionals can now diagnose, treat, and oversee their patients’ care virtually.
Telemedicine is defined as the delivery of health care services at a distance through the use of technology. This offers healthcare using digital devices such as computers and smartphones. In most cases, this is used as video conferencing. However, some providers choose to offer care via email or phone messages or the traditional regular checkup. Let’s now compare the benefit and disadvantages of telemedicine:
BENEFITS
Telemedicine, which enables video or phone appointments between a patient and their health care practitioner, benefits both health and convenience. More health care providers are offering to see patients via computer or smartphone. To know more about it, Here are 5 benefits of telemedicine.
Easy access
Not everyone has an ongoing relationship with a doctor they can call when they need one. Many online medical networks offer round-the-clock access to all kinds of specialists, without an appointment, at any time of day or night.
Lower cost
Doctors and therapists can be expensive, even for people with good health insurance. Telemedicine appointments typically cost less than in-person visits do. This reduces out-of-pocket costs, removing a barrier to care.
Medical access for people without health insurance
Not having adequate health insurance can be an obstacle to seeing a doctor. Many online companies provide cash-pay telemedicine, which doesn’t require health insurance or referrals.
Medical access for people in rural areas
Country living has many benefits, but fast access to medical care isn’t always one of them. For people who live many miles from the nearest medical facility, telemedicine provides a way to meet with a doctor quickly.
Medical access for people in underserved urban areas
The trend of hospital closures in inner-city neighborhoods has affected thousands of Americans, especially communities of color and people without health insurance.
Telemedicine helps break this cycle by providing a way for people to see a doctor before they get extremely sick.
DISADVANTAGES
Telemedicine despite it having countless benefits also have a few disadvantages as it may not suit every person or situation. Here are some disadvantages of telemedicine:
Not applicable to everyone
It isn’t possible to do every type of visit remotely. You still have to go into the office for things like imaging tests and blood work, as well as for diagnoses that require a more hands-on approach.
Threat of hackers
The security of personal health data transmitted electronically is a concern.
Doesn’t mean that everything is free
While insurance companies are increasingly covering the cost of telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, some services may not be fully covered. Telemedicine isn’t perfect and doesn’t eliminate the need for other types of healthcare, such as emergency care, which requires a hospital or urgent care facility.
No blood tests that will help determine your sickness
Telemedicine doesn’t allow doctors to take blood or urine samples. For people with chronic conditions who take medications, this can hamper necessary changes to dosages. It also may prolong the time before a new diagnosis is made.
Doctors need to have visual assessments
Doctors can’t use a stethoscope to listen to your heart or breathing, take your blood pressure, or take other vitals. Doctors also rely on visual assessments, which may be harder to perform virtually.
If you are unsure of what service you want, we are glad to inform you that Kaiser Medical does offer teleconsultations as well as face-to-face traditional checkups that will provide you safe and quality services! Kaiser Medical Center provides a wide array of diagnostic and medical care services to keep you healthy, ranging from immediate quality medical care to instilling health literacy and healing, to consultation with individuals and companies all over the Philippines. Hurry and schedule an appointment today! https://appointments.kaisermedcenter.com/o
