In 2022, more than 27 million Americans opted to use telehealth services rather than visit their physician in person. That’s a staggering increase from the mere 1.1 million patients that used telemedicine services just ten years ago.
Both healthcare providers and patients have embraced telemedicine for a variety of different reasons. But there are some concerns about this increasing popular practice, especially from the point of view of physicians.
Whether you already offer telehealth services or are considering adding them, here are the pros and cons of telemedicine that all doctors should know.
PRO: Convenience
There’s no doubt that telemedicine is convenient. Patients don’t have to travel to and from medical appointments. Doctors can devote far less time to a virtual visit than an in-person one. The convenience factor is significant for both parties involved.
While not every doctor/patient interaction can or should be a virtual one, telehealth visits are ideal for:
- Follow-up appointments
- Minor illness checks
- Prescription refills
- Mental health concerns that don’t require a physical exam
PRO: Reduce the Spread of Infections
While telemedicine has been growing steadily over the past decade, it was the onset of COVID-19 that caused many patients and physicians to explore it as a legitimate option.
It’s no secret that many people dread going to a doctor’s office because they don’t want to sit in a waiting room full of “sick people.” Telehealth visits eliminate that fear and can actually encourage them to meet with a physician.
As we all know, physically distancing from others is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of infections. Telemedicine makes it possible to maintain that distance while still seeking important medical care.
PRO: Acquire More Patients
In some regions of the country, particularly rural areas, people don’t always have easy access to visit the physicians of their choice. Telemedicine expands access and makes it possible to see a doctor that they might not be able to travel to see in person.
This offers a way to expand your practice, so many physicians are using telemedicine as a way to acquire new patients.
PRO: Improve Patient Outcomes
Patients often have concerns about their current treatment plan or current medications. Telemedicine is a quick way to see patients that have questions or concerns about a medical condition they’re already being treated for.
Through virtual appointments, physicians can provide those answers and address those concerns. Virtual visits also encourage patients to maintain and comply with their current treatment plan and stay on top of any new or existing health concerns.
Telehealth appointments also reduce ER and urgent care visits, allowing emergency and urgent care doctors to devote more of their time to immediate, emergent situations.
CON: Physical Exams Are Important
When a condition requires a blood test, a cheek swab, or any other type of physical test, a virtual appointment won’t suffice. Telehealth visits limit the physician’s ability to make important observations that they would make with a face-to-face visit.
CON: Tech Issues
Telemedicine requires both patients and doctors to have high-quality audio and video devices and stable Wi-Fi. Physicians also need a HIPAA compliant messaging system as well as a quiet, private space with good lighting where they can conduct virtual appointments.
Investing in high-quality tech will cost your practice money, but it still doesn’t guarantee successful virtual appointments. If the patient doesn’t have the right technology on their end, a virtual visit can be a failure. With older, outdated devices or a poor connection, it can be difficult to hear and see clearly, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
CON: Risk of Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis is one of the three leading causes of medical malpractice claims, and it can be difficult to properly diagnose an illness or medical condition remotely. Between the lack of a physical examination and the potential for glitchy video and audio, getting and giving a proper diagnosis through telemedicine can be a challenge.
Physicians can reduce the likelihood of misdiagnosis by asking follow- up questions to confirm what the patient is saying, confirming that they understand their treatment plan, and requiring an in-person visit at a later date.
Before seeing patients virtually, make sure that your malpractice insurance includes telemedicine coverage. This article from Physicians Thrive serves as a brief guide on whether or not you should add tail coverage or switch to an occurrence-based malpractice policy to protect against future claims.
In Conclusion
Telemedicine technology continues to improve and grow in popularity, but it will never fully replace traditional in-person medical appointments. It is, however, an important tool that physicians can use to provide better and more frequent care to patients.
