What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine, or a telehealth conference, is a digital real-time appointment between you and a doctor, where you can discuss your health concerns and seek treatment.
Distance and travel between patients and their care providers can put a limit on access to the care they need. However, telemedicine helps expand your access. Done from the comfort of your home via a smartphone, tablet, or laptop — this health care option can be convenient for patients who do not have the time or ability to visit their doctor in person.
What Can Telemedicine Treat?
Not all symptoms or conditions are appropriate to be treated through telemedicine. If you are experiencing a life- or limb-threatening condition, dial 911 for immediate assistance.
Conditions or symptoms that are commonly treated through a telemedicine visit include:
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Sinus or allergy issues
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Asthma
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Minor colds and the flu
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Sore throat & strep throat
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Skin irritations, rashes, and insect bites
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Urinary issues, including UTIs
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GI concerns, including constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, or nausea
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Pink eye and other infections
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Birth control
Conditions that are NOT appropriate for a telemedicine visit include:
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Life-threatening life or limb – please call 911 for immediate assistance.
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Dizziness and vertigo
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Earaches
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Lacerations
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Fainting
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Poisoning
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Chest pain
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Migraines
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Abscesses
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Fractures & sprains
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Excessive nausea, dehydration, vomiting
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Abdominal pain
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Shortness of breath
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STDs and STIs
For any of these conditions, we recommend consulting with your doctor or going to an urgent care for best treatment options.
Benefits of Telemedicine
If you’re interested in telemedicine, you may be wondering what the benefits are. Here are a few reasons to give it a try.
Access Care From Your Mobile Phone
Have you ever felt so sick, and you knew you needed to go to the doctor, but didn’t have the energy? Utilizing telemedicine is more convenient than going into an urgent care location.
As mentioned earlier, telemedicine can help you increase access to your healthcare providers. Additionally, a recent study showed that telemedicine helped to:
● Reduce hospital admissions in 38% of users.
● Increase patient engagement in their care.
Your doctor can diagnose your illness and write you a prescription, if medically indicated. That means that if you get your medications delivered, you won’t even need to leave the house. If you have to go to the pharmacy, you’ll only need to make one trip out.
Live Interactions
You’ll be able to speak to your doctor just like you would in-person. Telemedicine offers the same personal interactions as an in-office visit, such as:
● Sharing your concerns
● Finding support to manage a long-term condition
● Diagnosing an illness
Your telehealth appointment can serve the same personal interactions as an in-office visit.
Telemedicine should support, not replace, traditional healthcare methods. A strong relationship between doctors and their patients is the foundation of excellent care. You can take advantage of benefits telehealth offers, but you should also still continue to visit your doctor for in-person care when possible or recommended.
Telemedicine Care in Arlington, TX
Interested in our telemedicine services? Contact Urgentology Care today, call (817) 799-7273 to schedule your first virtual visit! We’re more than happy to help guide you in finding the best treatment options for your condition.