03-18-2018, 07:31 AM
Cornerstone Health, one of North Carolina's largest health care providers, announced yesterday it's push toward telemedicine. All specialties will be available, including psychiatric. Of course, in-office visits will still be available. This shift is being seen all over the country as providers seek to save money and time, while providing convenience to their patients. While a tele-visit will never be able to provide the level of care that an in-office visit can, the methods used are becoming more sophisticated. For instance, attachments for smartphones to let them take and send real-time readings of the patients blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and an actual live EKG. As we have been discussing on this thread, many patients who avoid doctor visits due to anxiety and depression issues may be more likely to attend a tele-visit. These visits are covered by Medicare and most private insurance. Doctors are permitted to prescribe medication, and order imaging tests and therepy during a tele-visit. I am excited that this modality is expanding in my state. While it's not for everybody, it can potentially help countless people who are hesitant to attend a conventional doctor visit. Has anyone seen telemedicine expanding in their own state?