Page 19 - Telemedicine - Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery Part One

SVMIC Telemedicine: Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery

acute conjunctivitis, painful urination, influenza, respiratory

infection, headache, and smoking cessation. Telemedicine
has been touted as an important choice of care to treat minor

conditions that keep people out of work, school, or other
activities. Without treatment, these minor illnesses can develop

into more complex and costly problems; so, telemedicine is
allowing people to get back to work and to get on with their

lives often without leaving their homes or workspace. During
the pandemic, much more complex care is being delivered via

telemedicine, and that trend may continue as patients become
more comfortable with the virtual environment.

Another benefit of telemedicine is the overwhelming acceptance

and demand for it by patients. Surveys have shown patients are
comfortable with sharing data with providers electronically and

are increasingly expecting that their providers will offer virtual
care treatment options.

Health Disparities and Connectivity

Delivering remote healthcare successfully and safely hinges
on connectivity. Broadband access and technology are the

keystones to facilitating telemedicine. They contribute to patient
safety benefits, but they are not always available to, or affordable

for, all patients, especially those who would likely benefit most
from virtual care. Several lawmakers are advocating that many

of the temporary allowances for delivery of virtual healthcare be
made permanent while focusing efforts to further equity for the

most vulnerable populations. Economic and health disparities
affecting communities of color are considered factors in the

higher rates of severe COVID-19 illness and deaths in these
communities.

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