Modern-day healthcare has changed in a variety of ways alongside advancements in telecommunications. No longer do people need to travel to a hospital or clinic to see a doctor regarding their results or to get advice. It’s all available with the click of a mouse and a steady internet connection.
Telecardiology pairs cardiology with emerging technologies to allow remote visits from home. Although patients still need to visit hospitals and the like to get scans performed, they don’t necessarily need to visit the doctor’s office to hear the results.
Here are some of the various benefits you can expect when utilizing telehealth solutions such as telecardiology.
1. Quicker Results
A patient’s echocardiogram interpretations and echo reads can take several days to several weeks to receive. However, when they can talk to a doctor face-to-face and discuss these results depends on the office’s and the patient’s availability.
There’s a chance that the facility working on test results operates in a different time zone. Their facility can find the answers to a patient’s questions hours before a medical facility near them even opens for the day.
With telecardiology solutions, patients can schedule an online appointment with a doctor and get their tests interpreted in half the time. Faster results mean a quicker time planning treatments, as well.
2. Easy Collaboration
People tend to look for doctors closer to them. The only reasons they may look further away are if they have an issue with the one nearby or if another office accepts their insurance.
With telecardiology services, patients can meet with a different doctor for a second opinion without traveling far away. This is especially convenient for anyone who uses public transportation and can’t readily go out of town to see another physician.
A patient’s current doctor can send their information to another cardiologist in seconds, even if they’re not operating under the same system. They can then schedule a telehealth visit with either professional and compare their results.
On a similar note, a doctor can collaborate with a separate doctor in another city or state. They don’t need to work under the same hospital system or ever meet in person. This allows a patient to continue working with a previous doctor who knows all their medical history after they’ve moved into a new area.
3. Vacation Coverage
Going on vacation is great for your health. It’s widely known that stress can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to disease and illness.
However, it’s hard to coordinate time off with important doctor’s visits. You don’t want your patients putting off their plans just because there’s an important follow-up.
Telecardiology solutions allow offices to speak to their patients wherever they are. No need to postpone delivering echocardiogram reads or ultrasound interpretations. As long as you have a solid internet connection and a smart device, you’re good to go.
4. Convenience
Going to medical appointments can be a hassle, even when they’re in town. Not everyone is in such good physical health that they can go in for checkups every six months without difficulty. Some people may also need to speak to their doctor on a monthly or even biweekly basis.
When a patient’s appointment time comes, they need to make arrangements for it. That includes transportation, calling out of work, and child care. In some cases, they may also have to find a portable oxygen tank, use a wheelchair, and find someone to help them get to the doctor’s office.
Telecardiology provides convenience and accessibility for patients. All they need to meet with their doctor is a phone, computer, or tablet.
It’s easier to set up an online appointment than an in-person one. Insurance providers have also incorporated their own telehealth programs, so they can talk to an in-network doctor within the hour.
5. Reduce Missed Appointments
Some of the top reasons why a person may miss their doctor’s appointment are cost, fear, lack of time, and language barriers.
If a patient can’t make their appointment, then they have to cancel. Canceling an appointment can set back their recovery, delay a doctor’s treatment plan, and put them at risk of worsening health. As such, it’s important that they get the treatment they need, even if it means working with their schedule.
Telehealth solutions don’t require in-person visits to create treatment plans. They can work with nurses to schedule home visits for required health examinations. Patients then access their results online and meet with their doctor on whatever smart device they have.
6. Support for Rural Communities
People living in rural communities often struggle to find appropriate healthcare in their area. Either they have to travel an hour one way to see a specialist, or they rely on a local general physician.
Video calls allow patients to see their cardiologist without worrying about the travel time. It opens them up to see doctors outside of their immediate area, potentially giving them better options.
Telemedicine can also bring disease prevention education straight to the person who needs it. It can help doctors manage a patient’s at-home physical rehabilitation after a stroke or heart attack. Their patient won’t have to travel miles down the road to see their echo reads and get a diagnosis.
Improve Your Healthcare With Telecardiology
Doctors are always looking for the next big thing to improve their patients’ healthcare options. Telehealth solutions include areas such as telecardiology, telepathology, and more. More options for their patients mean more people get the treatment they need.
Specialist Direct provides end-to-end telehealth solutions to ensure patients get the best clinical care possible. We offer affordable rates and access to Board-Certified specialists around the world.
Contact us and schedule a free consult to see how we can help you improve your reach.
