The use of Virtual doctors in the medical field seems to be a new trend in developed countries like the USA for the last few years. Countries like U.K and a few others are also trying to make a mark in Telemedicine. This technology is nothing new to many underdeveloped countries as well.
You might have read about how a Virtual doctor works in my previous post titled ‘Virtual Visits and the Virtual Doctors. Thanks to Skype and other similar technologies introducing video conferencing facilities which have paved the way for the emergence of the virtual doctor concept. Extensive use of devices like the iPhone, iPad, laptop, etc. has played pivotal roles in the development and rapid progress of this concept.
Medical organizations all over the world find it a good solution to solve many of their problems. In this article, I am trying to point out the benefits of using Virtual doctors in Telemedicine.
1. Saves a lot of time
Video conferencing helps the hospital to save a lot of time. You know the amount of time we waste in the waiting room of a hospital normally. By having the video conferencing facility, a lot of time can be saved.
2. Virtual visits may help to reduce healthcare costs.
If you analyze the number of patients visiting the emergency or urgent care ward of any hospital. It can be seen that at least some of these visits are unnecessary. This type of visit may be avoided using virtual visits hence making it cost-effective. Also, the cost of a virtual visit may be slightly less than a normal face-to-face appointment with a doctor in the hospital. From the patient’s point of view, the money needed for the journey to and from the hospital can be saved.
3. Can be done anywhere and at any time of the day.
Due to the extensive use of Smartphones, as well as smaller gadgets like the iPad. Teleconferencing also can be made at any time and anywhere with the help of apps available.
4. Easy option for monitoring a patient regularly.
Virtual visits will make it easier for a surgeon to monitor a person regularly. For example, if a patient needs to be monitored on a weekly basis. The surgeon can have the option to make one or two appointments virtually according to the patient’s condition.
5. Other clinicians also have access to patients.
The services of a doctor may not always be needed. Instead, a specialist nurse or similar clinician can accomplish the same task. Thus, the hospital authorities can reduce the working hours of few of these doctors. Hence saving some money for the organization.
6. Helps to connect with a large number of doctors worldwide
It is interesting to hear that a patient from an underdeveloped country, residing in a remote location, far away from the city, is seeking treatment from a specialist doctor from the U.K. or U.S.A, through telephonic conferencing. Few hospitals in countries like India and Nigeria have the option to consult specialist doctors from other countries through teleconferencing.
7. Purchase of medicines made easy.
When you utilize the service of a Virtual doctor. The doctor may have the option available to send your prescriptions electronically to one of the nearest pharmacies of your choice. This will be convenient for the patient to purchase the required medicines.
Your comments and suggestions on this post are most welcome. So that I can come up with more ideas in my forthcoming posts.
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SO SUMPTUOUSLY MEANINGFUL.
Thank you very much for your motivating comment. I will keep coming back to your blog.
Great information. This technique should be implemented in all the countries. It would save a lot of time and lives.
I think some hospitals in India have video conferencing facilities to consult specialist doctors from U.S.A and U. K. I am not sure which all hospitals do that.
Even if there are, I don’t know any…
Some hospitals in Nigeria have the facility to consult overseas doctors through video conferencing.