Telemedicine in the U.S. first emerged in 1959. Nebraska University began to perform video consultations with a hospital. Learn more about Telemedicine!
Did you know that Telemedicine in the U.S. first emerged in 1959? According to evisit.com, Nebraska University clinicians were the first to use this technology for medical purposes. The university established a two-way television technique to send information to medical students across campus. Five years later, the university linked with a state hospital to perform video consultations.
This technology has been out for a long time and has only advanced over the years. However, in-person visits dominated the medical field until the pandemic emerged. Hospitals mandated that people only came in for emergencies and weren’t taking on elective surgeries.
Thus, telemedicine was an alternative for patients to receive medical advice and prescriptions without stepping into a doctor’s office. Even though the height of the pandemic is over, telemedicine still has its advantages. While the world has relatively gone back to normal, you can still consider using telemedicine in these four scenarios.
Use Telemedicine to Check in With Your Doctor About a Chronic Condition
If you have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or arthritis, you might find it helpful to check in with your doctor regularly. While you have to take care of bloodwork in person, your doctor can discuss bloodwork results with you virtually. Your doctor might also want to discuss sticking to your medication schedule, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, at-home monitoring tools and tricks, reviewing your treatment plan, and answering any questions you might have.
If You Need Therapy
According to the American Psychological Association, teletherapy is effective. Even before the pandemic, studies have shown that teletherapy is as effective as in-person therapy. Virtual therapy is convenient, and you don’t have to commute to engage in therapy sessions. Plus, many health insurance plans offer cost-effective options to see a therapist and offset out-of-pocket costs significantly.
If You’re Not Sure if Your Symptoms Require a Doctor’s Visit
A virtual visit can quickly answer your concerns, whether you have a twisted ankle or a fever. You can ask a virtual doctor or physician if you should see your doctor, go to an urgent care facility, or go to the hospital.
If You Want to Talk About Preventative Care
It’s best to complete wellness routines in person. Your doctor can answer your questions and offer suggestions. However, telemedicine provides an excellent way to talk about preventative screenings you might need, such as a colonoscopy, a prostate cancer screening, or if you’re thinking about getting a new medication.
Keep in mind that the three times you shouldn’t opt for online doctor’s visits are when:
- Your doctor needs to run tests for a diagnosis
- Your doctor needs to be more hands-on
- You’re experiencing a medical emergency
When you partner with Malden Solutions, telemedicine is one of the many supplemental benefits you can use to your advantage. Call our knowledgeable team of brokers today if you’d like to learn more.
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