Page 27 - Telemedicine - Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery Part One

SVMIC Telemedicine: Essentials of Virtual Care Delivery

Once the considered diagnosis is formulated, the physician

may ask the patient to assist in the examination to the extent
possible to verify that diagnosis.

You may ask the patient to take a deep breath while observing

for audible expiratory wheezing, cough, use of accessory
respiratory muscles, or nasal flaring. To evaluate skin, you may

ask the patient to upload a photo during the visit, press down on
the lesion to look for blanching, take out a coin and lay it next to

the lesion or wound, describe any pain, induration, oozing, smell,
and so on.

As in the traditional setting, the physician or other provider
may take additional steps to complete the diagnosis. Shared

decision-making is important to ensure there is a mutual
understanding and a willingness by the patient to adhere to the

treatment plan. If at any time the patient does not appear to be a
suitable candidate or the patient cannot participate as required,

then the physician should refer for in-person assessment and
treatment. Follow-up instructions may be entered in a portal or

other means.

There are many resources available according to your specialty
or your patient population. Specialty society and association

guidelines are assisting practices with their transition to
telemedicine especially during the pandemic. In an effort to

keep healthcare workers and patients safe amid the COVID-19
pandemic, the American Medical Association designed a

Quick Telehealth Guide and other online resources to support
physicians and practices in expediting the implementation of

telemedicine, so care can continue to be provided to those who
need it most. This dedicated webpage is continuously updated

and offers an overview of telehealth, practice implementation,

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