What is the Difference Between Telemedicine and Healthcare?

What is the difference between telemedicine and healthcare? Today, there are more patients that rely on their medical providers than ever before. Many people have found that going to the emergency room or hospital is much more of a hassle than calling up an on-call medical professional to help them. With all of the advances in technology, it has made it so much easier for patients to stay in touch with their doctors and other medical professionals.

Telemedicine has dramatically changed the way we do everything from order taking to delivery of prescription drugs. The healthcare industry has adapted by providing patients with a wide variety of different services. Patients are no longer satisfied with just seeing their doctor once or twice a year for a physical exam. There is now a real estate aspect to the medical industry that allows providers to sell or rent office space to medical offices. It's no longer enough just to be a doctor's office; you can have your own practice with a private laboratory, as well as offer your services to patients of your choosing. This is not only beneficial to the medical provider, but also to the patient because it provides them the opportunity to select a physician that they feel comfortable with and who seems qualified to handle their particular health issue.

While it is still necessary for doctors and other medical providers to make physical visits to patients in order to discuss their medical condition, telemedicine allows for much more convenience. Patients can schedule appointments at any time and at any location, making it easier for them to manage their daily lives. For some, convenience extends to their ability to book appointments online without the assistance of a personal assistant (PAs), which takes much of the Drudge work out of scheduling appointments. Patients can use their personal computers and their favorite web browser to search for and book appointments without having to leave their home or office. Telemedicine and Health Care

 

The primary goal of medical providers is to provide their patients with the highest level of medical care. While it may be possible to arrange for patients to receive in-person medical care in the event of an emergency, many times the immediate need for care is made through the utilization of modern technology. Telemedicine can make the entire process of receiving healthcare much simpler and faster than it would be otherwise. By allowing patients and their doctors the ability to virtually collaborate, there is a greater opportunity for positive patient-doctor relationship and interaction. In the case of emergency or in the case of patients who are unwell, telemedicine allows for greater access to top-notch health care providers who can provide the level of medical care that the patient and his or her doctor are seeking.

A telemedicine program can integrate seamlessly with the healthcare office. This means that each office can maintain its own unique listing of patients and medical appointments. Doctors can use this list to recommend treatment options to patients who may have urgent health-related needs. In some instances, a doctor can also encourage a patient to see another doctor who may be better able to handle the issue at hand. This type of service can make traveling to various medical facilities across the country much more manageable and affordable. Rather than being stuck in one small town, patients will be able to travel to different medical facilities, depending upon where they feel comfortable going.

In addition to making it easier to organize and coordinate medical appointments, telemedicine can greatly speed up the process of securing healthcare. Many offices and hospitals offer their patients the ability to view their medical records via their computer or a handheld device. Patients can easily access their medical information, as well as their doctor's contact information, from any location, anytime they desire. Rather than having to worry about losing paperwork or having to leave the office to retrieve a file, patients and doctors can both rest easy knowing they are able to work together effectively.

One advantage that many patients appreciate concerning telemedicine is the convenience it provides. Rather than being forced to travel to a local office or wait in an uncomfortable waiting room, a patient can go about his or her business with the knowledge that he or she is getting the best possible medical care. For example, instead of having to deal with a long line of doctors and nurses, patients can go to the counter or table of one doctor. This helps to cut down on wasted time, as well as provide the level of medical care that every patient is entitled to.

Of course, the use of telemedicine isn't just about doctors and patients. Families can also benefit greatly from the use of this technology. Patients can see loved ones who may be sick or in need of medical attention from a remote location. This type of service is especially convenient for those families who live miles away from a medical center. By using telemedicine, patients can receive their medical care in the same way that their "cousin's" did - with the added convenience of receiving the best medical care available.