Telemedicine
“Listen to your patient; he is telling you the diagnosis,” – Sir William Osler
Telemedicine is the utilization of technology to maintain a doctor-patient relationship without a physical presence. Whether realized or not, most physician encounters involve verbal and non-verbal communication where objective and subjective information regarding the history and personal impact of one’s symptoms are relayed. A comprehensive physical examination can still be performed through telemedicine.
Today, telemedicine has advanced capabilities to provide a user-friendly, HIPAA- compliant environment where the doctor and patient can focus on one-on-one communication without common inconveniences of clinic visits (traffic, parking, waiting rooms, etc.)
Given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare and most PPO insurance companies have loosened restrictions on telemedicine visits, giving much-needed access to patients to receive the care they need while maintaining social distancing recommendations.
In addition to meeting in person when things are not that great (pain or injury), telemedicine allows patients to receive a vital component to their health. preventative medicine. Also known as pre-habilitation, support can be provided to people, young and old alike — regardless of functional capacity – to maintain an optimal state of health during times.
From a musculoskeletal perspective, keeping active and avoiding injury is crucial. It is not uncommon for sedentary behaviors to “catch up” to us and have old aches and pains resurface. Our bodies are constantly repairing cells and are dependent on healthy mechanical activity.
Benefits:
- Prevent deconditioning
- Maintain endurance
- Prevent stiffness
- Retain muscular strength
- Reap additional benefits:
- Improved immune system
- Improved sleep
- Decreased stress
- Minimize pain
- Minimize risk of recurrence (flare up) of prior spine, joint or tendon problems
Telemedicine allows everyone to be a part of “concierge” medicine and visit with a specialist from the convenience of their own home.
- Get expert advice on orthopedic or spine conditions.
- Full medical care services: prescriptions for medications, radiographic tests and exercise programs.
