Quote:
Originally Posted by golfing eagles
On the other hand, telemedicine is a poor alternative at best. There is no substitute for talking to the patient in person and hands on examining them. NONE. You cannot practice medicine over the phone. PERIOD.
|
Telehealth isn't just a phone thing. It's also a video conference thing. If someone says "I have a new long dark line on my leg and it's sore, what should I do?" the doctor can look at it with the laptop camera, and he can ask questions - are you sore anywhere else? Feeling shortness of breath? Difficulty walking? Is it only sore when you touch it, like a bruise, or is it constantly throbbing? Are you feeling especially tired lately?
If it's just sore to the touch and you have no other symptoms, he can say "it's probably just a varicose vein. If you want we can schedule an appointment for you to come in, but it appears safe enough to leave alone for now."
And then you avoid a couple hours of dealing with going to the doctor for a varicose vein.
Telemedicine is a godsend for people who aren't merely "inconvenienced" by going to the doctor, but who put their own health at risk by leaving their homes. It's especially helpful to people who are immunocompromised, who shouldn't be sitting in a waiting room filled with sick people if they can avoid it with a simple video-chat with the doctor or nurse.