Why the Pros Outweigh the Cons in Telemedicine

With today’s technology moving at a rapid pace, healthcare has come along for the ride. One way it has joined this new “revolution” is with telemedicine services. This new type of practice allows doctors to evaluate and treat patients without physically examining them. Rather they examine and treat patients over the phone or online.

While many critics say telemedicine lowers the quality of care a patient can receive, there are many positive benefits to this new technology:

Convenience and cost – This alternative form of healthcare is a lot more convenient as people can get treated without having to leave their home. They don’t have to wait long periods of time before being seen. They also can avoid the high cost bills that come with office visits.

Long Distance Treatment –People with unique diseases that live in rural areas now have better access to specialists. This new technology can ultimately save lives.

Education – Telemedicine also provides opportunities for healthcare professionals in remote locations to receive training.

New tools – New technology like mobile apps are changing the way doctors and patients approach healthcare. Many apps are designed for doctors, ranging from handy databases about drugs and diseases to sophisticated monitors that read a person’s blood pressure. Others are for the patients to gather diagnostic data, for example, or simply to help coordinate care, giving patients an easy way to keep track of their conditions and treatments.

Yes, like with anything else, there are drawbacks to telemedicine, including the potential communication breakdown in the relationship between the physician and patient as well as the different physicians that are virtually taking care of a patient.