Let’s Talk Telemedicine
Happy Thursday! Here in Illinois, we have had the best February surprise ever… 70 degree days! Yes, you heard me right, 70 degrees in the middle of February, IN ILLINOIS! What a break from winter, but that is all it is, a break. There is a possibility of snow this weekend, and we are back to winter as it should be. With the changing weather, comes illnesses galore, which is why I wanted to discuss a changing trend in medicine, telemedicine. We’ll start with stats, then discuss…
More than half of all U.S. hospitals currently have a telemedicine program. Telemedicine makes up nearly one-fourth of the health IT market, which was valued at $15.6 billions in in 2014 and is expected to increase to nearly $20 billion by 2019. About 74% of patients are comfortable with communicating with their doctors using technology instead of seeing them in person. About 30% of patients already use computers or mobile devices to check their medical or diagnostic information.
So, what is telemedicine? It is the ability to communicate with a doctor on the phone, whether it’s by Skype, Facetime, or just a call. I am incredibly partial to telemedicine, as Dr. John’s Medical Solution offers Workers 1st Call & Report/ 24hrVirtualMD. I love talking about it to prospective clients, and really, anyone who will listen to me. Let’s say you are traveling with your family, and your child ends up with a painful ear ache. What are your options? A costly trip to the ER? An almost as equally expensive trip to a local prompt care? OR, do you simply pick up the phone and use your telemedicine service? If you use Dr. John’s program, you become a member, and as a member, you have a certain number of calls that you and your family can use that are included in the membership fee. There is no extra cost to use the service unless you are over your number of calls for the year. How easy is that?
Only speaking for Workers 1st Call & Report/24hrVirtualMD, typical conditions that are treated through our telemedicine service include allergies, urinary tract infections, cold, flu, sinus and respiratory infections as well as providing second opinions or answering medical questions. Physicians may prescribe a non-narcotic/non-DEA controlled or lifestyle modifying drug. The doctor makes their decision on if and what to prescribe after reviewing your medical history and speaking with you on the phone about symptoms. Most common medications prescribed are antibiotics – amoxicillin, augmentin, azithromycin and suprax, and antibacterials – Bactrim and Zithromax, ACE inhibitor lisinopril, and corticosteroid prednisone.
Telemedicine is absolutely becoming the wave of healthcare future. If you are interested in learning more about our program, please contact us at Dr. John’s Medical Solutions by going to our website at http://www.expressms.net. It is incredibly affordable and very easy to use!
I had to write about telemedicine this week because it is completely on the brain and I find it very interesting and love to share, but it is not, however, the topic of the week for The St. Christopher Minute. This week, Dr. John will be discussing the 1st in a 10 part series on remedies. Tomorrow he will be sharing his Vapor Rub remedy. Curious? Join Dr. John tomorrow morning at 6:30 am EST on The Tim Ridley Show, channel 146 for The St. Christopher Minute.
Have a healthy and happy day!
