ONLINE DOCTOR AND HOW IT WORKS

Millions of people around the world are gradually discovering the possibilities of telemedicine - a service that allows patients to receive remote consultations from doctors. What is it and is it worth trusting this method of providing medical care?

The beginnings of telemedicine can be roughly dated back to 1879 when an article in the British magazine Lancet discussed the use of the telephone to reduce hospital visits. In 1925, the American journal Science and Invention suggested that the radio could be an excellent way to diagnose patients. Many of us have probably ever called our doctor to discuss the symptoms and find out if we should go to see him or just, say, take aspirin and wait.

At the moment, we are talking, of course, about the capabilities of the Internet, especially video communications. Although telemedicine and related services were originally created to help people who do not have access to health services, research shows that low-income and rural patients are the least likely to use them. Perhaps because they, for some reason, cannot use the offers of the respective service providers. However, telemedicine practice is showing rapid growth among doctors and patients, thanks to the widespread adoption of smartphones with video conferencing capabilities.

TYPES OF SERVICES OFFERED BY ONLINE DOCTORS

There are several types of medical services provided through the Internet online:

• Making a decision on the need for an in-person appointment with a doctor.
• Consultation with the purpose of collecting complaints, anamnesis, issuing recommendations for examination.
• Review of test results. Evaluation of diagnostic examination data.
• Confirmation or correction of the diagnosis made by another doctor and the prescribed treatment.
• Registration of sick leave without visiting a ground polyclinic. The doctor has the right to remotely confirm your recovery and draw up the necessary documents.
• A convenient way of medical monitoring of the course of chronic diseases.
• Consultations for the purpose of prevention.

In addition, online doctors have become widespread in demand among specialists themselves. It turned out that this is a very convenient way to hold meetings with more experienced colleagues, even organize consultations, being in different parts of the country.

PROS AND CONS

The use of telemedicine has advantages and disadvantages. This not only cuts costs for health care workers and patients but also makes healthcare more accessible and convenient, especially for those living in rural areas.

Patients also have access to more specialists. For example, it’s easier for a patient with thyroid disease to see an endocrinologist who can monitor the course of treatment.

Patients may also be more involved in monitoring their own health. For example, a person who uses a remote blood glucose monitoring device may also have a smartphone app that allows them to see trends in blood glucose and how these levels change when they take a walk or eat.

However, telemedicine has its drawbacks. When you use a telemedicine service platform that connects you with a casual doctor, you do not receive continuity of care. This doctor may not be able to advise you as effectively as the clinic doctor because he does not have your complete history.

However, it has recently become widely recognized that telemedicine is a cost-effective and safe way to help patients during a global pandemic.