Over 30 million adults live with heart disease.
From a young age, we learned the importance of heart health. Exercise, minimal alcohol, and a balanced diet are important parts of keeping our hearts in good condition.
Unfortunately, due to poor lifestyle choices and family history, the rate of heart disease is skyrocketing. Because of this, it’s important to create widely accessible care opportunities for those who experience heart problems.
A recent solution to making care more accessible is telecardiology. Keep reading below for more information on telecardiology and how it’s changing the healthcare game.
A Look at Telehealth
Telehealth is the practice of offering health services using smartphones or computers. Technology allows doctors and patients to chat using cameras and internet connectivity. It’s real-time service while being in different places!
There have been several factors that have contributed to the growing popularity of telehealth. One of the main reasons many people have turned to teletherapy is the recent pandemic. Especially for heart patients, it’s safer to use contactless health options.
Another big reason people love telehealth is it allows wider access for those who are unable to get to a doctor’s office. They may not be able to afford a car, live too far into rural areas, or are physically unable to get themselves to an office.
Plus, who wouldn’t love an opportunity to stay home in bed instead of sitting in a clinic waiting room? You can wear pajamas while getting a prescription.
What Is Telecardiology?
Now that you understand what telehealth is, it should give you a clue as to what telecardiology is. It’s telehealth specifically for heart health.
People with heart disease and any other heart abnormalities should look into it. All you need is the internet and a reliable device. Use your phone or a computer webcam.
It’s important to note that telecardiology doesn’t fully replace the need for in-person appointments. It’s ideal for check-ups, but most tests can’t be properly performed over the phone.
Specific Applications of Telecardiology
There are several specific applications we use telecardiology for today.
Some general practitioners may use telecardiology for gathering second opinions for a patient. This is especially useful in complex cases. Telehealth allows easier ways for doctors to meet, and the patient doesn’t have to return to the hospital each time an opinion is given.
Telecardiology is also used for patient’s asking simple questions. A patient may have a question that needs a bit of explaining but that isn’t serious enough to make a whole in-person appointment for.
For those patients with chronic heart failure, telehealth improves their quality of life by allowing them to stay on bed rest at home. Many patients experience extreme frustration when staying in the hospital for an extended period of time.
Other Advantages of Telecardiology
Besides the several obvious advantages of telecardiology, there are a few advantages many people don’t consider.
By using telecardiology, many medical facilities are able to save money by not having to hire a full-time cardiologist. A cardiologist can take personal appointments on days they’re present, and nurses can discuss reports over telehealth with patients any day of the week.
Facilities that use telehealth are also able to provide more quiet time for cardiologists to work on cases. They won’t be overwhelmed by an influx of in-person patients. Other staff members can have quick telehealth check-ins while cardiologists work behind the scenes.
Telehealth can also increase patient health. Many people let go of healthy habits and doctor’s orders because they don’t make routine appointments. They may feel too tired, lazy, defeated, or afraid to go see a doctor in-person.
By giving them the option to meet with doctors in the comfort of their own home, they’re more likely to stick to positive habits. This leads to better health.
How Can My Facility Start Offering Telehealth Services?
It’s obvious that patients and staff members all benefit from telehealth services, including telecardiology. It’ll take some time to implement telehealth services at your facility, but it’s better late than never.
The first step is understanding your state’s telehealth laws. Each state has different guidelines in place. Understand them so you don’t face any legal consequences.
Be prepared for the first meetings to be in-person. Depending on your state’s laws and the specific situation, you’ll most likely be required to have your initial meeting in-person. Check-ups can be done using telehealth.
You’ll also want to decide how much to charge for telehealth patients. Luckily, whether it’s in-person or over an iPhone, billing systems are similar.
Create a User-Friendly System
Once you start diving into the world of telehealth at your facility, you’ll want to develop a user-friendly system. This is important for those with chronic cases that are using specific applications such as telecardiology.
It’s best to give the patient a choice on whether or not they want to use telehealth. Create clear choices on your webpage if you allow booking through your site. If patients call to schedule, have staff members at the desk clarify the patient’s options.
If someone is using a telehealth option, send an email with clear, concise instructions on how to attend the appointment. You can send a Zoom link, set up your on telehealth software, or have them Facetime using a specific number.
Spend time teaching patients how to check their connectivity. You should also prepare to troubleshoot problems. If there’s one thing we’ve learned recently, it’s that technology is unpredictable.
The Wonders of Technology: Telecardiology
There are some obvious evils that come along with technology, but there are even more advantages. Telecardiology is one of the many benefits.
Telecardiology allows for easy check-ups between doctors and patients to discuss heart health. It increases patient accountability, and it lowers the need for in-person contact. Telehealth widely increases accessibility, and all medical facilities should consider it.
If you’re in the market for top-notch telehealth solutions, you’ve ended up at the right place. Our teams make sure your patients receive quality care. Contact us with any questions or if you have any ideas you want to discuss.
