Telemedicine was around long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and started to change the way that healthcare facilities the world over operate. And now that the pandemic is here to stay, at least for the time being, telemedicine has found itself in the limelight. Video conferencing between patient and provider just makes sense during a time when we want to limit contact as much as possible!
What level and extent of telemedicine that you incorporate into your facility depend on what you do and what your patients need, but it’s safe to say that some healthcare services will be transitioned toward the telemedicine approach sooner or later. Here are a few suggestions on getting your facility, your staff, and your patients started with the integration of telemedicine:
Virtual Screenings
Is it possible for your facility to screen patients in a virtual manner, rather than having them come into the facility initially? You can connect with patients via video conference and have them describe their symptoms or show your providers visible ailments or symptoms. Then, if your staff feels it is warranted, an in-office appointment or consultation can be set up. You can even use telemedicine technology to have a lot of the paperwork and initial steps are taken care of before the physical appointment happens — that saves time and helps keep everyone safe.
Start With Easy Appointments
Before jumping in headfirst and changing all of your appointments to telemedicine consultations, consider making only the “easy” appointments telemedicine consults at first. While the specifics will depend on the exact type of healthcare that your facility offers, things like quick patient questions, medication prescriptions, or pre-surgery consultations could be conducted online, saving the patient from traveling to the actual facility and keeping them and your staff members safe.
Make Follow-ups Virtual
Follow-up appointments or rechecks are another thing that’s relatively easy to transition to a virtual model. Rather than having the patient come back to the physical practice, they can connect with their healthcare provider via telemedicine. If they feel something is wrong, or if the provider feels that it’s necessary for an in-person follow up depending on the procedure, it can be set up. Otherwise, follow-ups can be conducted virtually. And the great thing about it is that telemedicine can allow for more follow-ups, more frequently — that’s good for the patient’s health and your productivity.
Telemedicine is Changing Healthcare
Even when the pandemic is over, it’s clear to see that telemedicine will be sticking around. Aside from the safety measures it provides right now, it’s simply economical for everyone involved in the healthcare process — patients, providers, and healthcare facilities alike. Expect to see more and more healthcare services move to virtual platforms as time goes on.
Get in touch with BOS Medical to staff your healthcare facility with the very best. We’re always here to help you succeed!
