We’ve been hearing a lot more about telemedicine lately, and with good reason. With COVID-19, it has emerged as one of the best (and safest) ways for doctors to deliver care during the pandemic—without the worries and risks of face-to-face visits. But if you haven’t had a telemedicine visit yet, you may be wondering what it is and how it works. Plus, can it actually replace seeing your doctor? As someone with more than a dozen years of experience using telemedicine with patients, I’ve seen its upsides and downsides. Here are the most important things I believe you should know.
WHAT IS TELEMEDICINE?
While telemedicine has surged in popularity during COVID-19, it’s not a new concept. Virtual visits by phone (hence the name telemedicine) originated back in the 1950s as a way for doctors to conduct telephone visits for patients in remote areas of the country. Now, as technology has changed, it has expanded to not only include doctor visits by phone—but by video conferencing and even text. One of the biggest upsides of telemedicine is that it’s a real timesaver. Patients like the fact that it saves them the time of driving to the office and sitting in the waiting room. Plus, they don’t have to take time off of work or worry about childcare. As a doctor, I also like the fact that it allows me to monitor a patient’s progress more readily.
HOW DOES A TELEMEDICINE APPOINTMENT WORK?
In many ways, a virtual office visit feels a lot like an in-person visit. Usually, the patient calls or video conferences in and waits in the virtual waiting room until I join the line at the appointment time. For video appointments, I use a secure HIPPA compliant platform that protects patient privacy.
Esta historia es de la edición October 2020 de Alternative Medicine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 2020 de Alternative Medicine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Add These Healthy Routines to Your Day
Holistic wellness focuses on the connection between mind, body, and spirit It isn’t just about treating symptoms; it seeks to find the root causes that create the issues. By living a more holistic lifestyle, you may be able to enhance your body’s natural ability to restore itself.
7 Tips To Promote Health And Well-being This Summer
During the warmer months, there’s often a great deal of shuffling and movement, including common allergy triggers like trees, pollen, mold spores, dust and dander along with pesky sinus pressure.
Global Food System
Local Communities Empower a Resilient
How to look Your Best with SOFT AND BEAUTIFUL Senior Skin
Maybe not everything improves with age, but one thing – healthy, vibrant skin – is not something that must be relinquished to younger years. Senior skin, needs special care. And if we treat our skin right as we age, healthy, vibrant skin can accompany us into our golden years.
IN SEASON: Green Beans
Green beans, also called snap beans or string beans, are a staple in many kitchens across the United States. They’re a beloved side dish at family potlucks, holiday meals, and nightly dinners. They are one on the most popular crops in backyard gardens.
MENTAL HEALTH PROS AND CONS OF WORKING FROM HOME
Over this last year many people made the switch from working in the office to working from home, but is this a healthy change?
COMMON LIFESTYLE FACTORS - That May Be Causing Your Heartburn
Warmer weather is here which means backyard BBQ’s, campfire cookouts, and picnics are right around the corner. But if you suffer from frequent heartburn, food-based get-togethers may not be your cup of tea. But before you turn down your invite or spend even more money on your handy antacids, it’s important to note it might not be all the food’s fault.
THE FIVE MOST IMPORTANT Lifestyle Practices for maintaining a HEALTHY BRAIN
More than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. As we age we become significantly at risk for declining brain health as one in nine people age 65 and older have dementia. This debilitating disease also affects women more than men at disproportionate numbers as two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
THE TALE OF TWO AGES: A Plan for Your Healthspan
For the longest time our age has been defined by the day we were born and the number of times we are fortunate enough to circle the sun.
What Is INSULIN RESISTANCE?
Have you heard of insulin resistance? One in three Americans suffer from this blood sugar-related syndrome, which can cause serious health issues including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and even cancer.