Telemedicine has been around for some time but now it is becoming mainstream. Thanks to the digital revolution. We’ve now faster internet and more devices to support telemedicine. According to a report, the U.S Telemedicine market will be worth $64billion by 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5%. This shows telemedicine will be the future and inevitable part of our lives.
But how effective is telemedicine in Texas? Is it beneficial for both patients and doctors? We discuss below.
Benefits for Patients
From the perspective of patients, there are many obvious benefits of telemedicine. Let us explore some of them.
Increases Access to Care
Telemedicine allows patients to get healthcare anytime and from anywhere, as long as they have a stable internet connection and an appropriate device like a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.
This is particularly helpful for people who have more healthcare needs but find it difficult to get all the medical care that they require on their own, like aged people or people with disabilities. Telemedicine offers them a level playing field by allowing them to access healthcare as frequently as they want without having to depend on others.
Makes it Easier to get Medication
Telemedicine makes it easier for patients to get medication. Instead of going for a doctor’s visit in person, patients can have brief consultations remotely with their doctors and then receive their prescriptions, which can also be filled online and shipped to their homes. With the exception of a few narcotic agents, most medication can be delivered to patients in this way.
Telemedicine is more Convenient
One of the most common complaints with patients is that they don’t get enough face-to-face time to communicate properly with their doctors. Telemedicine in Texas allows people to access medical care in the comfort and privacy of their homes. It helps them save waiting time in a doctor’s office. This can also mean that a person may not need to take time off from work or arrange for childcare.
Also, patients whose conditions are comparatively serious can stay at home if their care is supervised by a specialist via telemedicine. Studies have shown that the recovery of patients is faster when they are at home where friends and relatives can visit them more easily.
Cost-saving
Telemedicine is less expensive than traditional in-person appointments with doctors. Patients can simply consult their doctors on mobile devices or computers and can save on transportation costs.
Benefits for Health Care Providers
Health care providers who offer telemedicine services enjoy various benefits as well. Let us now examine a few of them.
Increases Revenue
Apart from cutting down on overhead costs, telemedicine allows doctors and health care professionals to supplement their income by providing care to more patients through video conferencing. There are also fewer chances for people to miss their appointments with their doctors.
Telemedicine also offers a competitive advantage as it helps in attracting and retaining more patients than the competitors who don’t provide this service.
Expedites Timely Care
Telemedicine can lead to timely care. An on-demand video visit will allow health care providers to better assess the condition of the patient than a phone call and so they can better prepare themselves to take care of the patient without wasting any time.
Can Reach Far-off Places
Through telemedicine, health care providers can provide specialty care to patients no matter how far they are from the location of the hospital, like in rural areas.
Doctors can also use the telemedicine service to quickly get a second opinion from specialists located in other parts of the world.
No Chance of getting exposed to Infections
When doctors see patients remotely, they don’t have to worry about infections that may spread due to exposure.
Conclusion
Telemedicine in Texas greatly reduces the mental and emotional strain of patients at a time when they need medical care. However, for best results, health care providers should continue to provide in-person medical care where it cannot be done without and supplement it with telemedicine services, like for follow up visits. One thing is certain though, telemedicine is beneficial both for patients as well as for health care providers.
Do you’ve any questions? Please feel free to leave your comments below.
Leave a Reply