Millennium Magazine_8th Ed

SIX HEALTHY BENEFITS OF THE TELEMEDICINE REVOLUTION The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 uncovered a number of deficiencies in the health care system, from already overcrowded emergency rooms unable to withstand even a small spike in usage to spiraling costs that forced many patients to forgo necessary care even before the latest crisis struck. Another thing the COVID-19 crisis helped to uncover is the need for alternatives to traditional forms of in-office health care. With the virus raging out of control, seeking care inside the crowded walls of a medical office waiting room was suddenly risky, so much so that would-be patients stayed away in droves even when they should have been getting treated for their new illnesses and chronic medical conditions. Into this vacuum stepped the technology companies behind the newest rev- olution in health care. After languishing on the sidelines for several decades, telemedicine had finally found its footing. Now that the dust is settling and vaccines are being widely distributed, many in the field are predicting that the telemedicine revolution that begin in crisis and disaster will continue to mature and improve, driven by these six healthy benefits. STOP THE SPREAD OF INFECTION Few things are worse than showing up at the doctor’s office healthy only to leave with a brand-new illness. During cold and flu season, medical offices can become loci of infection. However, relying on telemedicine for well visits can stop the spread in its tracks. NO TRAVEL COSTS Simply getting to the doctor can be a financial challenge for many patients. Even if the cost of care is entirely paid for, the gas getting to and from the doctor’s office could be a significant burden for low-income patients. Thanks to telemedicine, patients can keep their money in their pockets and use it on other things. ACCESS TO TIMELY PRESCRIBING Patients who suffer from repeated infections or other chronic medical conditions may learn to recognize the symptoms, and all they need is a prescription to address them. A telemedicine visit is a fast and easy way to get those prescriptions, so patients can treat their latest flare-ups and get on with the rest of their lives.