Post-pandemic, the rise of technology has brought about major changes in every sector and healthcare is no exception. Online doctor consultation or telemedicine has bridged the gap between patients and health providers, revolutionising how individuals seek healthcare facilities. A few years back, i.e. before COVID-19, patients had to stand in long queues or travel from far-off places to consult a qualified doctor. Now, with just a few clicks, patients schedule appointments and connect with doctors in the comfort of their homes.
In other words, we can say that online consultation has been able to meet the growing demands of the patients which was not possible by traditional means. In this blog, we will explore some of the ways by which modern virtual consultations are reshaping the medical landscape and making healthcare facilities accessible to every patient.
Online Consultations: Improving Access to Quality Healthcare
Below are the reasons why virtual consultations are becoming a game changer in healthcare delivery.
- Breaking geographical barriers: This is one of the biggest advantages of online consultations. Previously, people in many parts of our country, especially in the rural areas were deprived of access to timely treatment. Patients had to travel long distances for medical advice which proved to be both time-consuming and expensive. Also, travelling to distant places even deteriorated the conditions of the patients, especially those who were suffering from serious ailments. However, with virtual consultations, patients can easily book appointments, allowing them to receive diagnosis and treatment plans irrespective of location.
- Reducing healthcare costs: Cost is the biggest concern when it comes to seeking healthcare facilities. Increased medical costs along with the price of accessing the facilities prevent many individuals from consulting doctors. Online doctor consultation reduces the financial burden of patients to a greater extent. Patients can connect with experienced doctors at affordable fees. Virtual consultations also eliminate the requirements of transportation, lodging or a day off from work, thereby reducing patients’ finances and making treatment availability possible.
- No more increased waiting time: In-person doctor involves standing in long lines for hours. This proved to be frustrating for those people who had to travel long distances for chronic and serious disorders. Moreover, there is also a risk of spread of infections due to the large gatherings at the hospitals/clinics. Online appointments are an alternate option to traditional doctor consultations. Patients can now schedule appointments without any waiting time of more than 10 minutes. Some platforms even allow 24*7 consultation via audio/video from anywhere at your convenience.
- Early diagnosis: Remote consultation with specialists empowers patients for early diagnosis and treatments. They encourage patients residing in underdeveloped areas to take proactive steps regarding their health conditions who otherwise avoid visiting doctors due to travel hurdles and costs. The ease of access promotes early check-ups and follow-up appointments, potentially catching health issues before they become serious and even ensuring complete recovery.
- Improved record keeping of patients: Additionally online doctor consultation has facilitated the keeping of medical records of patients as everything stored is digitalised. It leads to the seamless handover of patient information to another specialist in case they need to be referred. This allows for holistic care of the patients which is difficult in traditional doctor visits. During in-person doctor consultations, patients sometimes forget to bring previous prescriptions or they tend to get lost. This creates hindrances to accurately monitor the medical history of patients and prepare treatment plans.
Conclusion
Online doctor consultations have played a pivotal role in making it accessible to people from all walks of life. With the advancement and integration of technology in the upcoming years, remote consultation will continue to evolve further enabling its ability to reach people.