Page 26 - Telemedicine - Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery Part One

SVMIC Telemedicine: Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery

the assessment of a patient (even in-person) is gleaned from

listening to the patient and asking the appropriate questions.
The remainder of the assessment relies on the physician’s

ability to funnel the subjective data and observation down to
what the patient’s real complaints are and what the appropriate

examination requires.

The objective component is more challenging, requiring
advanced observation skills and patient engagement, while

recognizing the limitations of the technology used for the visit.
There is a learning curve on both the physician/provider side

and the patient side.

The standard components of an examination such as history of

present illness, past medical history, social history, medications
and allergies, surgeries, and so on remain important during the

telemedicine visit. In telemedicine, there is not a one-size-fits-all
virtual examination that leads you to the accurate diagnosis.

Telemedicine enlists patients to participate in their healthcare

unlike the traditional in-person encounter. Patients may be
asked to assist in the physical examination with the physician/

provider guiding the patient through a virtual self-exam. From
the onset, begin observing the patient. Document the general

appearance:

• Pallor

• Flushing

• Diaphoresis

• Ill-appearing

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