Telemedicine: The future of doctor consultation!

The world is facing a pandemic where we are required to maintain distance from each other. Also, it is a need to stay at home and go out when necessary. So, what to do when you want to consult a doctor and you are not allowed to go out? The answer is telemedicine. Telemedicine is a way to consult your doctor sitting at home. It is done via audio and visual technology. You can take the appointment online and your doctor will call you. Telemedicine is for non-emergency services. Also, it holds a high value for follow-ups for chronic diseases like blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Also, you can consult a doctor urgently if the doctor’s clinics are closed. 

History 

In the early 1900s when radio revolutionized every field like national security and entertainment, the medical field was no exception. Though it was the possibility of the future at that time. But 90 years later it did come true. There was an article about the “Radio Doctor-Maybe!” in a radio news magazine in 1924 which gave insight into this possibility. The transfer of electronic images via radio through telephone lines between two towns in Pennsylvania was the first successful example. It was done in the 1940s and the images were sent 24 miles away.

Furthermore, in the 1950s a Canadian doctor developed this technology. He built teleradiology and used it in and around Montreal. The clinicians at the University of Nebraska were the first to use video communication for medicinal purposes. The university first established the network of telecommunication between university students in 1959. Then after five years, it connected to the state hospital. For many years, telemedicine was evolving but was limited due to expenses and complexity. As the internet came, it gave wings to it and it became common and popular. Telemedicine is most useful during this time of a pandemic.

Future of Telemedicine

Talking about the telemedicine future, it is bright. The biggest pro of telemedicine is convenience. All you need is a secure patient portal and a web camera. A secure patient portal connects the doctor and the patient through a secured medical online database. It keeps the private information of the patient safe. Also, the consulting clinician gets easy access to the medical records of the patient. Telemedicine provides high-quality diagnosis at a lower cost. Also, it makes the interaction between the doctor and the patient better. Furthermore many studies have proved that telemedicine is better than other consultation methods. Telemedicine is best for the treatment of mental health. Since it is done sitting at home, the patient feels comfortable in his comfort zone. Moreover, it is also effective in telecardiology, teledermatology, home care, and teleradiology. 

The Pros and Cons of Telemedicine in Future

In the future, telemedicine will be available 24/7. You can connect with your doctors from anywhere around the world. Moreover, you will get focused care from them. Also, if a doctor is referring to a specialist, you do not have to make separate appointments. You will be able to connect to him there and then. Access to specialists will be the norm. Also, your time will be saved. Though it will not be effective for emergency services. For that, you have to visit a doctor. Other than that it will bring a revolution in medicine. 

We do not know when the world will be free from this pandemic, telemedicine is the best option. Though it is the time when the world is getting normal. But you still have to be cautious and maintain social distancing. Therefore, going for telemedicine is a wise choice. If it is a non-emergency, you can go for this. All you have to do is consult online. This will not only save your time but will also keep you on a safer side. 

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