Telemedicine is changing the way both consumers and healthcare providers think about healthcare. Utilizing the latest technology, telemedicine is primed to improve their patient experience and reduce costs.
Telemedicine Defined
Telemedicine is the use of technology to electronically exchange information and provide medical services to patients from a distance. This includes clinical services provided through video conferencing, transferring still images as well as remote monitoring of vital signs. Telemed services allow for timely treatment closer to home and access to world-class specialists through virtual communication.
Acceptance of Telemedicine
While still is a relatively new idea, it comes with great acceptance:
- 63% of American consumers believe that high-definition video allows for the most accurate medical diagnosis by a doctor.
- At least 70% of consumers reported that they’d prefer an online video visit to obtain a prescription over traveling to their doctor’s office.
- 20 million Americans report they’d switch primary care doctors to ones that offer telehealth visits.
Will Telemedicine Replace In-Office Visits?
In some situations, telehealth services can completely replace an in-office visit. However, the most innovative programs allow for collaboration between remote specialists and an onsite practitioner. This type of telemedicine is provided at Advance ER for pediatric patients. Collaborative arrangements provide patients with the hands-on care of a physician with the off-site expertise of specialists to manage their care.
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