“The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to telemedicine as “healing from a distance“. It is the use of telecommunications technology and information technologies to provide remote clinical services to patients. Physicians use telemedicine for the transmission of digital imaging, video consultations, and remote medical diagnosis.” The approach is popular with patients due to its many advantages.
When you see your doctor on your mobile device or computer, you can save money on gas, parking, and public transportation. Even better, you don’t waste time traveling or risk running into a traffic jam that makes you late for your appointment, or worse, late getting back to work.
Speaking of work, video visits largely remove the need to take time off. You can simply schedule your visit during a break, or before or after work. You can be anywhere that offers sufficient privacy. You can comply with your doctor’s follow-up instructions and maintain your health without missing a day of work or wasting your precious paid time off.
Many of us have the responsibility for caring for children or older adults. Finding alternative care so that you can see the doctor can be difficult and expensive. Bringing them along can be stressful or impractical. Fortunately, telemedicine solves this challenge by allowing you to see your doctor while upholding your family responsibilities.
Where can you be sure to find a lot of sick people? At the doctor’s office of course. While everyone does their best to prevent one patient from catching something from another, it is always possible, especially in crowded waiting rooms. By staying home, you get the care you need while avoiding the risk of exposure and the chance that you’ll pass your illness on to someone else.
If you choose a video visit via telemedicine technology, you’ll eliminate all that time spent looking at old magazines in a doctor’s office. Even if you don’t use telemedicine, choosing a practice that offers it will reduce your wait time by letting other patients be seen from home.
When you are able to see your doctor as often as you need to, without the challenges of getting into the office, you can practice better management of your medication, lifestyle, and any chronic conditions you might have.
A virtual meeting link will be sent to your email before the scheduled appointment time. To enter telemedicine visit, click the link.
A smartphone, iPad, or computer with web camera and speakers will work. You don’t want to run out of power or lose your connection during your appointment! Use Wi-Fi if your cellular data plan is limited.
It will be easier to hear the healthcare provider, and for them to hear you.
Turn off the TV, mute notifications on your phone, and tell others in your house you’ll be busy for the next 15 to 20 minutes before you start your visit. Make sure there’s enough light for the health professional to see your face — and any rashes or other physical problems you want to show them.
If you’re not at home during the virtual visit, find a quiet, private spot where you can shut the door.
You may need extra light to give the doctor a clear view of your sore throat, a mouth problem, or even a skin problem.
Be sure to mention any new symptoms you may be having, any new over-the-counter products you may be using, and any prescriptions you need to have refilled.
(if available at home)
Allergies
Arthritic Pain
Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds and Flu
Diarrhea
Infections
Insect Bites
Pharyngitis
Conjunctivitis
Rashes
Respiratory Infections
Sinusitis
Skin Inflammations
Cellulitis
Sore Throats
Sprains & Strains
Bladder Infections
UTIs
Sports Injuries
Vomiting