The Evolving Field of Telemedicine

Technology has and will continue to become an extremely important aspect of our lives. It is used by people on a daily basis for almost every aspect of their lives. People use the internet to communicate with family and friends, to research things and even to look up local restaurants and eateries. The internet has even expanded into the medical field, quickly becoming a large part of the telemedicine trends and technologies of medicine. People are using the internet to research symptoms, make appointments with their doctors and even to communicate with their healthcare providers.

There are many advantages of telemedicine and to offering telemedicine trends and technologies for a medical office. One of these advantages is that of convenience. Many people work busy jobs or are busy with the everyday activities of having families. They may not be able to find the appropriate time to consult with a doctor, when needed. They may have an issue arise in the middle of the night, that doesn?t warrant a visit to the emergency room, but where consultation is needed. Telehealth software allows people to consult with a medical professional at a time that is convenient with them. In fact, in a study, telepsychiatry appointments were significantly less likely to be cancelled by patients (3.5% vs. 4.8%) and significantly less likely to be no shows (4.2% vs. 7.8%).

Telemedicine trends and technologies also provide patients with a sense of privacy that they might not otherwise feel in traditional medical settings. This is extremely beneficial for those who express shame or guilt surrounding their visit with their healthcare provider. This is often the case with psychiatry or psychology visits. Telemental healh allows patients to visit with and work with their therapists without ever leaving the privacy of their own home. They don?t have to converse with a receptionist or see other patients in the lobby. Additionally, telemedicine trends and technologies can be very helpful for those suffering with agoraphobia, a disorder that induces panic attacks when leaving the home. During an 18 months study, a higher proportion of the telepsychiatry appointments were kept than face to face appointments (92% telepsychiatry vs. 87% non-telepsychiatry).

Telemental health guidelines bring about their own challenges that differ from a traditional medical setting. HIPPA are the guidelines that are set to ensure that a patient?s privacy and their information are kept confidential. This can be more challenging, as the internet is not entirely confidential. A therapist or a medical health professional needs to take extensive measures to ensure that their internet client?s information is being as secure and confidential as possible. A HIPPA compliant video can help with some of these regulations and rules.

67% of healthcare professionals (physicians and others) use some form of telemedicine now, or are planning to in the next few years. Telemedicine trends and technologies are expected to grow just as the world of technology is. There is a level of convenience and practicality in the world of telemedicine that cannot be matched in traditional healthcare settings. Many patients feel more comfortable with this type of a settings and others will find it just as convenient as the idea of it grows.