In March 2020, the number of telehealth visits increased by 154%. As social distancing practices increased, so did the need for alternate means of delivering quality care. Now, telehealth practices are benefiting patients all over the world.
In this article, we discuss how organ transplant patients and staff can enjoy telemedicine benefits. Continue reading to find out how you can take your medical practice’s care to a whole new level.
The Growing Role of Telehealth
The fear surrounding COVID-19 prevented up to 42% of US adults from seeking medical attention. This lead to an industry-wide push for the use of telemedicine companies.
Even as some of the world sees the number of cases and deaths related to the COVID-19 virus trending downward, telemedicine benefits continue to attract patients. For this, what started as an alternative has become common practice.
How Telemedicine Works
Telehealth allows patients to discuss their symptoms with their medical provider in real time. This most frequently occurs over some kind of video chat or online portal.
The provider can then decide if their condition warrants an in-person visit. If it doesn’t, they can direct them with other options for recovery.
General Telemedicine Benefits
Telemedicine benefits extend to both patients and medical staff alike. This is one of the reasons for its growing popularity. It helps remove the stress typically associated with in-person visits.
During a global pandemic, this is especially invaluable. Those with pre-existing conditions or who are just fearful can worry less. This also helps prevent the healthcare system from becoming too overwhelmed.
Control the Spread of Disease
Telehealth allows patients to reach out from their own homes. For this reason, it helps to control the spread of diseases like COVID-19. This also applies to other illnesses such as influenza and the common cold.
Medical providers can urge more patients to stay home or take medications instead of coming to the practice. This reduces the risk to other patients and staff.
Get Information Quickly
Many primary and emergency care facilities are facing an immense workload. This often translates to long wait times and appointments booking out several weeks. Telemedicine visits are much easier and quicker to come by.
Telehealth visits last an average of 20 minutes with little to no wait time. This can offer peace of mind to worried parents and patients who are unsure of the severity of their condition.
More Affordable Medicine
High medical costs serve as a barrier for patients who need care. Telemedicine is often more affordable than in-person office visits. This can help encourage patients to seek care sooner instead of putting off the help they need.
For this reason, telehealth benefits aren’t just for those with good health insurance. It makes it more accessible to those with lesser means.
Better Access to Care
Another common barrier to healthcare is location. Unlike in-person office visits, telehealth visits are accessible anywhere there is an internet connection. This includes urban and rural areas.
Many telemedicine companies also offer overnight telehealth visits. This is convenient for patients who aren’t sure if they need urgent care. It’s also beneficial for emergency providers who would otherwise be overwhelmed by less-than-urgent cases.
Lessen the Load for Providers
The medical staff appreciates telemedicine as it helps to reduce their workload. One reason is that they have a reduced number of patients in waiting areas.
Another reason is that they can redirect patients that don’t need to come to the facility for treatment. This means a reduced chance that the staff will be overwhelmed by patients.
Telemedicine and Transplant Patients
These same telemedicine benefits apply to organ transplant patients. From initial referrals to being added to the waitlist to post-transplant care, a transplant patient can have a much easier and more affordable experience.
Instead of traveling to countless visits, they can opt for telehealth visits. This can help organ transplant patients gain better access to the care they need.
Initial Transplant Patient Referral and Care
Once a patient is referred for an organ transplant, they are required to visit a transplant center for the necessary evaluation and education. This can be difficult for patients who live far away from these centers. They have to worry about travel costs as well.
Some potential organ transplant patients end up not being candidates for transplants. For these patients, telemedicine companies can save them time and money.
While potential candidates will eventually need an in-person visit, telehealth can make the process easier. It reduces the risk of wasted time and money.
Postoperative Transplant Patient Care
Some postoperative transplant patient care must occur as an in-person visit. For example, the care of the surgical site and laboratory testing are performed in the facility.
For other aspects of care for organ transplant patients, especially stable patients, telemedicine may be a better option. They may even be able to combine telemedicine with care closer to home. They can have testing done at local facilities instead.
Adding Telehealth to Your Transplant Practice
Getting started with telehealth may be the best option for your transplant facility. Start by working with the right telemedicine companies to see what programs would work best for your practice.
Then, do your research on telehealth laws in your state to ensure compliance. For example, some insurers may not offer coverage for telemedicine. So, it’s important to have this information upfront.
Finally, set up your initial schedule with qualified medical professionals to get started. While some medical professionals worry about the potential to become overwhelmed, many facilities have found telehealth has only helped their workload.
Taking Care of Organ Transplant Patients and Staff
Utilizing telemedicine benefits can greatly improve the experience of both your organ transplant patients and staff. With reduced costs, wait times, and peace of mind, telehealth can take your practice to a new level of care.
To get started with telehealth solutions for your practice, get your free consult today.
