Weighing Up the Pros and Cons of Telemedicine

Weighing Up the Pros and Cons of Telemedicine

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We live in a busy world and don’t always have the time to go to the doctor. Telemedicine is popular for both patients and insurance companies looking to streamline patient care. There are pros and cons of telemedicine. It’s important to know when it’s better to see a virtual doctor and when to see one in person.

When you’re feeling under the weather and need a doctor, telemedicine gives you advantages. You can contact them via phone call and computer, which keeps you out of clinics and emergency rooms. It’s not perfect, but it has many advantages and few disadvantages to traditional doctor’s visits.

The Pros and Cons of Telemedicine Doctors

When you visit your doctor or a clinic, you know the doctors and they know you. They’ve seen you before, possibly for years, and know about your medical and personal quirks. This inside knowledge makes them experts in your specific needs. They are often connected to a hospital and can order tests and follow up with you in-person.

With telemedicine, you likely don’t know the doctor. He is one of many that can answer your video chat. He doesn’t have a personal relationship that a regular doctor has. This makes them more clinical, but as knowledgeable as any doctor. When you call back or follow up, you’ll likely not talk to the same doctor.

The Cost of Telemedicine

One of the biggest telemedicine advantages is the cost to you and insurance companies. A personal visit to a hospital or emergency room can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Many times, your insurance company includes telemedicine at no charge or only a small one. Medicaid insurance can even reimburse fees.

Remote analysis and monitoring are less. It eliminates travel costs and unnecessary visits. Insurance companies love fewer costs, so they’re advocates of telemedicine.

The Convenience of Telemedicine vs. Doctor Visit

Telemedicine is ideal for rural areas that don’t have quick access to hospitals. It’s perfect for people who don’t want to wait for hours to see their doctor. People who are sick and don’t want to drive to a clinic or hospital. They want to be in bed. The convenience of this telemedicine advantage is obvious, but that can come at a price.

There’s no doctor to check your temperature. The Internet connection could be bad, limiting the clarity of vision and communication. Some patients may forego convenience if it means a more complete diagnosis.

Spread of Illness

When the area is in the middle of a flu outbreak, the last place anyone wants to be is in a room full of flu patients. Diseases spread in doctor’s offices no matter how many disinfectants they use. Doctors, nurses and the patients can get sick or sicker from exposure.

This isn’t an issue with telemedicine. The computer screen can’t transfer germs, so you can’t get anyone else sick. There are many unique innovations happening in telemedicine.

A Growing Phenomenon

There are many aspects to the pros and cons of telemedicine, but its use is growing. Insurance companies and hospitals understand people want something different. If you’re interested in learning more about telemedicine advantages, then visit our website.