Equitable distribution of healthcare services is a key goal of public health management in India due to our large population. In fact, 75% of doctors practice in cities and towns. But 68.84% of India’s population lives in rural areas [1]. Therefore, there is a huge gap in access to healthcare services. With technological advancements, access to healthcare is increasing through services like telemedicine
The spread of COVID-19 around the world has made telemedicine the safest way patients and doctors can interact with each other [2]. It allows you to access medical services at any time and from anywhere. Read on to learn more about it and how you can easily receive medical treatment even remotely.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is the practice of providing medical services through telecommunications technology. It involves the use of digital devices such as smartphones and computers. It typically uses the technology of video calling. Health care providers may also use phone calls, messaging, or email to provide medical care. This feature may also be called e-health or telehealth.
This progressive step in healthcare allows doctors to evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe treatment to patients without physically meeting them. It facilitates real-time services and makes healthcare more accessible. You can avail medical services including primary care consultations, physical therapy, psychiatry, and even some emergency services through e-medicine.
What are the benefits of telemedicine?
Telemedicine gives you access to medical services anytime and from anywhere. It bridges the gap of lack of medical care for people living in rural areas. Here are its benefits for both patients and doctors:
- Telemedicine helps you save costs during travel and can also be cheaper than in-person consultations. For healthcare providers, it helps reduce overhead costs.
- It improves patient engagement which leads to a better relationship between the doctor and the patient. This further leads to better medical outcomes.
- You can easily receive preventive care through telemedicine. This helps you maintain good health for a long time. A study conducted on patients with coronary artery disease found that telemedicine is an effective tool for secondary prevention and improving health outcomes [3].
- You now have more privacy regarding your health issues as you can consult doctors from the comfort of your home.
- In critical situations, telemedicine can be lifesaving as it reduces the waiting time to see a doctor. This is especially beneficial for people with disabilities, senior citizens, and those who are geographically isolated.
- Telemedicine prevents the risk of getting an infection at a doctor’s office where you are surrounded by people who may be sick.
- Since telemedicine is, in some cases, available 24/7, it can reduce pressure on emergency departments. With this facility, you can get treatment anywhere and at any time.
- Monitoring patients with chronic and long-term health conditions becomes more effective with this
What are the disadvantages of telemedicine?
Although it has promising benefits, it also has some drawbacks:
- Not all insurance companies cover telemedicine. However, more and more insurers are now covering the cost of teleconsultations
- Your medical data is at risk of hacking and other criminal theft.
- Accessing treatment during an emergency becomes a problem or can be delayed. This is because lab tests and life-saving procedures cannot be done digitally
- Using the right digital platform can be a challenge for healthcare providers. Poor internet connection can also hinder service
- Not all doctors can practice telemedicine. Only registered physicians with a valid medical license can practice e-health services.
- It can be difficult to provide comprehensive care in telemedicine. The healthcare provider has to rely on patients’ self-reports or ask more questions. The patient may forget a symptom that could have been noticed during in-person care. This can affect treatment.
Telemedicine and COVID-19
During lockdowns and when more people were staying put to prevent the spread of COVID-19, telemedicine plays a vital role. You can get medical advice and prescriptions without leaving your home. This helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases as you reduce the risk of coming into contact with infected people. Although processes need to be enhanced to improve the experience, telemedicine certainly has a major role to play now and in the future.
How to get treatment through telemedicine?
Here are some ways you can access this service:
A registered doctor or hospital
You can talk to a licensed doctor or hospital about availing telemedicine services. Some doctors or hospitals may require you to pre-register on their portal or app. Others may require you to make an online payment and then confirm the appointment using a messaging app
Online Telemedicine Providers
There are many websites and apps that provide access to telemedicine services. Such sites usually list physicians based on expertise and reviews. You can easily register with providers online to book teleconsultations
Health Insurance Cover
Once you decide to avail telemedicine services, buy a health insurance policy that covers such expenses. From October 2020, IRDAI has allowed you to claim teleconsultation expenses if your policy covers OPD costs and pre or post hospitalization expenses.
Getting health insurance with telemedicine benefits is the safest option for affordably protecting your health. Check out the Complete Health Solution plans offered by Care Craze Chronicle to experience this benefit and more. With these plans, you can tele-consult doctors of your choice and get reimbursed. You also get lab test benefits up to Rs 17,000 and network partner discounts up to 10%. So, sign up today, enjoy the benefits of remote healthcare, and never let your health take a backseat!
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