In an age where technology is almost more accessible than water, telemedicine has become an increasingly efficient method of finding the best medical care for specific medical situations, without compromising primary care doctor-patient relationships. Telemedicine, which allows doctors and patients to communicate about symptoms, vital signs, and possible treatments in real-time using mobile devices, gives patients flexibility to travel while remaining in touch with their primary care providers.
Much as the internet and computer networking significantly impacted the way that companies traded information, telemedicine has also changed the way that medical professionals communicate. Those doctors who excel in one particular area of medicine quickly gain global recognition. Additionally, instead of having to be in person to witness or monitor a procedure, a doctor can now participate virtually via a mobile device. This is especially beneficial to patients who opt to have low cost surgery abroad. Doctors can discuss their patient’s prior medical history, and advise specialists abroad before, during, and after surgical procedures. Because telemedicine allows a patient’s entire medical history to be quickly uploaded and indexed, and provides step-by-step monitoring of that patient’s condition, a patient doesn’t have to worry about being exposed to the wrong medications, or having to repeatedly submit to long questionnaires. All the necessary information is there, along with the supervision of the patient’s primary physician.
Finding medical facilitators who are both familiar with and capable of using telemedicine requires relatively simple research. Often, medical tourism companies can offer lists or recommendations of providers in other countries who regularly utilize telemedicine. Because telemedicine is becoming an increasingly popular method of treatment in a variety of countries and medical specializations, finding providers has become much easier.
Those patients who are considering having surgery that will require aftercare are especially encouraged to employ medical personnel who use telemedicine. Having real-time access to a primary care physician immediately after a major procedure is strongly recommended. Some patients experience post-surgical symptoms that may go unrecognized by a medical provider unfamiliar with his or her case history. Telemedicine allows each patient the comfort of knowing that he or she is being monitored by several different doctors, including the doctor who knows his or her medical history first-hand.
The major concern of any patient who is traveling abroad in search of a qualified specialist is being able to verify the experience of that particular medical professional. Telemedicine allows patients to experience a degree of security. In a sense, telemedicine is almost like having a portable medical professional. With access to significant medical databases, and the ability to convey information in virtually any part of the world that has access to wireless internet technology, doctors who use telemedicine are linked to a global healthcare network of knowledge and experience. With telemedicine, patients can focus on finding the best possible specialist for their condition without being hindered by the constraints of geography, while doctors can focus on providing the best possible treatment knowing that they will have all the information they need, instantaneously.
The author has international expertise in the healthcare industry, telehealth and business administration. His diverse set of skills will deliver exceptional healthcare support services while maintaining a strong balance sheet.
