With the coronavirus pandemic still ravaging many areas of the United States and the world, it should come as no surprise that telemedicine is receiving more positive attention than ever. This unique system allows patients to seek online medical care from the comfort of their own homes.
Telemedicine isn’t just for COVID-19 screening. Read on to find out about some of the most common reasons that patients contact telehealth services.
Colds and Coughs
Most common colds don’t need to be treated in a doctor’s office. Using virtual health services to discuss minor symptoms like coughs, runny noses, and sore throats to rule out more serious issues like COVID-19, cases of flu, and pneumonia gives patients suffering from common colds peace of mind. Plus, it reduces the chances of viral spread in doctor’s offices and waiting rooms.
Managing Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, requires careful monitoring but technological innovations in modern medicine have allowed much of it to occur at home. Patients with hypertension often find that in-home sphygmomanometer use combined with telehealth visits allow them to monitor key symptoms and changes without enduring the stress of a full doctor’s visit.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Most gastrointestinal (GI) problems don’t require medical intervention. Minor nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation symptoms can often be managed at home. Scheduling a telehealth appointment allows patients to rule out serious issues that could require more advanced medical care and get advice about how to reduce the frequency of GI problems and deal with their unpleasant symptoms.
Skin Conditions
Worried about a newly
forming rash, hives, or other dermatological conditions? Telehealth platforms
use two-way HD video conferencing that makes it easy for providers to identify
the issue quickly and confidently and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Patients with more serious skin conditions like shingles can also obtain
diagnoses using telemedicine.
Prescription Refills
In most locations, patients can request medication refills during virtual health care appointments. The doctor will verify that the request is valid, then send a prescription straight to the patient’s pharmacy. From there, he or she can pick it up as usual or schedule a medication delivery at participating locations. Some common medications for acute conditions can also be prescribed using telemedicine platforms.
Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking can be incredibly difficult, but research shows that smokers who are provided with the tools they need to quit such as targeted medications, nicotine replacement therapies, and counseling have a better chance of success. Telehealth providers can provide smoking cessation counseling and other forms of help to patients who want to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Therapy and Counseling
Stress and depression are rampant in America right now, but online therapy can help. Those struggling to maintain optimal mental health have nothing to be ashamed of and there’s no reason they should continue suffering alone. They can get help with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and other common conditions online.
The Bottom Line
The common symptoms and conditions described above are just a few of many that can be diagnosed and treated successfully using telemedicine. When in doubt, patients should schedule virtual visits to discuss their concerns. If the telehealth provider believes the patient needs more advanced care, he or she will recommend lab testing, in-person appointments, or a trip to the urgent care clinic or an emergency room as needed.