Telemedicine Can Save Lives in More Ways Than One

Thanks to the generosity of our clients and community, the Brain SoCal COVID-19 Giving Back Challenge has raised more than $38,000 of its goal to purchase gloves, N95 masks and other protective equipment for hospital workers treating coronavirus patients. We encourage those who can to contribute to the Brain Society of California’s fund-raising initiative supporting those on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To reduce the need for critical life-saving treatment, public health experts continue to reinforce the importance of stay-at-home orders to help lessen the spread of the coronavirus. This has resulted in a dramatic shift – practically overnight – in how physicians, chiropractors and other healthcare professionals are treating patients in a way that keeps them safe. They are increasingly using telemedicine to keep appointments with patients using platforms like Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Zoom or Skype. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises, “leveraging telemedicine whenever possible is the best way to protect patients and staff from COVID-19.”

Greater Access to Care

The benefits of telemedicine — also known as telehealth — go well beyond serving as a safety measure during the COVID-19 crisis. Telehealth increases access to care for patients who might otherwise be limited by mobility, distance or transportation issues that prevent them from seeking the care they need. Using technology, these patients can benefit from a face-to-face consultation with their medical professional without having to leave home.

Improved Outcomes

A recent study published in the American Journal of Managed Care demonstrates how telehealth can also greatly improve the quality of care patients are able to receive. Those who participated in the study were less likely to require treatment in a hospital; and patients who were hospitalized recovered more quickly and had a shorter stay. This study takes on added meaning during the COVID-19 crisis, when hospitals are focused on treating critically ill patients for the coronavirus.

Lower Healthcare Costs 

By treating patients more efficiently, healthcare providers are able to reduce the expenses of caring for patients, transporting them to other facilities, or even keeping them out of the hospital altogether. A recent study estimates that patients are able to save 19% overall on their medical treatment costs by utilizing telehealth.

Telemedicine Supports Traditional Care

Enhancing the doctor-patient bond is key for high-quality patient care, and telehealth can be an effective tool in supplementing the effectiveness of in-person treatment. Providing patients with the flexibility and convenience of a remote appointment, when possible, in conjunction with in-person care, can help build patient trust, enhance engagement and improve and satisfaction.

Additional information implementing telehealth programs in your own practice is available from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Telemedicine isn’t for Everyone

Of course, in-person face-to-face doctor interactions are sometimes quite necessary. Be it surgeries, chiropractic adjustments, or the prescribing of controlled substances, there will always be a need to visit doctors’ offices. Doctors still have the tools at their disposal to practice safely during this crisis, even if they’re not able to practice telemedicine. The CDC has prepared guidelines to help physicians unable to offer telemedicine to their patients. For instance where it is appropriate, however, telemedicine is an invaluable tool that can improve the wellbeing of many patients — regardless of what else is happening in the world.