A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Using Telemedicine Technology

Americans spend over 3 trillion dollars on healthcare as a whole. With the rising cost of healthcare, many are hesitant to take a trip to the doctor for fear that it could cost them more than they anticipated. Or they don’t want to expose themselves or others to more harmful pathogens.

That’s where telemedicine technology comes in! Telemedicine is becoming an excellent way to get high-quality healthcare from your own home.

Are you interested to learn more about the benefits of telemedicine? Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Telemedicine Technology?

When you or someone in your family becomes ill, you take a trip to the doctor to get checked out and possibly get prescribed medication. However, this trip can cost you extra money and time out of your day, especially if you’re a busy working adult.

Telemedicine is a convenient way to meet with a doctor over the internet using video or phone cat. Generally speaking, you schedule your appointment at a time that’s convenient for you, and you meet with a physician on an internet platform or over the phone.

While this arrangement seems fairly new, the desire to connect with patients through technology started in the 1950s. Then, however, the idea was to connect with patients through a landline because there was no video available at that time.

Today, most telemedicine consultations are done through video, where you and your doctor can see and hear each other. This is a great option because you can still show them what’s wrong.

Benefits of Telemedicine

There are many benefits to using telemedicine.

First, telemedicine is incredibly convenient. There’s no waiting in the waiting area, no leaving work or your home, and no commute. Just hop on your computer and the internet whenever you’re ready to begin your consultation.

You also stop the spread of viruses. If you’re sick, it’s easier to stay home and rest instead of worrying about infecting others in the waiting area or around you. When you’re sick, it’s hard to find the strength to do anything.

The cost is substantially lower. A sick visit to your doctor can cost you $35-$50 with insurance, or even more if you’re a self-pay patient. The cost of a telemedicine visit is significantly lower, especially with a family plan.

Most telemedicine doctors are available 24/7. This is especially beneficial for people who have children and need immediate medical advice.

Following up with patients is a tricky task, but with telemedicine, it’s a bit easier because they use technology to track a patient’s progress.

With telemedicine, your doctor still writes a prescription and has access to pharmacies. In some cases, telemedicine plans offer a discount on prescription drugs.

What Can Be Diagnosed Through Telemedicine?

One of the benefits of using telemedicine technology is the ability to see the patient and diagnose an illness. Speaking to a telemedicine provider is just like meeting with your general healthcare physician.

Here are a few ailments that telemedicine doctors can treat:

• Colds
• Flu
• Diarheea
• Insect bites
• Pink eye
• Rashes
• Pulled muscles
• Sports Injuries
• Other skin conditions
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Infections
• Minor burns
• Sore throats
• Fever

These are just a few of the common medical problems that may be provided. However, these services are broad and may vary according to the specialist.

It’s important to remember that while telemedicine has many perks, real medical emergencies must be referred to the emergency room at the hospital.

Things to Know Before Using Telemedicine

While there are plenty of amazing benefits to using telemedicine, there are few things you need to know before getting started.

You will need phone service or a secure internet connection and computer to use telemedicine, preferably in your own home to abide by HIPPA laws. You’ll also need a quiet place for your appointment so you can ask questions.

You will need the ability to have a video on your computer and receive it as well since the majority of telemedicine takes the form of the video consultation.

Telehealth: What’s The Difference?

Perhaps you’ve heard of telehealth and telemedicine used to express the same ideas. However, while these two platforms are similar, they serve different purposes.

Telemedicine caters to patients by way of physicians providing clinical services. Patients can request to see a doctor via technology and get help with their physical ailments.

Telehealth deals with records, health education, and more. While it’s still proactive in the medical community, telehealth is more concerned with the administrative area of medicine while discovering new ways to make digital health more accessible.

Is Telemedicine Still Possible Without Insurance or a Doctor?

Aboslutley, myDOCTORplan™ does not require insurance to use and 1 monthly subscription of $14.99 includes everyone in the household with $0 out-of-pocket when you speak to the physician.

Telemedicine for Patients

Telemedicine technology paves the way for patients to speak to a doctor on their watch without all the hassle that comes with keeping appointments. Plus, myDOCTORplan™ averages only about 8 minute wait times!

Do you want to learn more about telemedicine programs? Our program allows you access to reputable physicians for one low price! Check it out today!