Doctor examining X-ray on tablet

Telemedicine 101: 5 Key Things to Know

The growing acceptance of telemedicine is bringing changes in the way medical care is delivered. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned expert, below are a few intriguing facts you might not know, courtesy of Becker’s Hospital Review.

1. Telemedicine refers to two-way communication between a patient and a healthcare provider at another location. This communication must be interactive and occur in real-time. The minimum equipment needed are audio and visual equipment, although other tools, such as a digital stethoscope or digital ECG, may be used as well.

2. At the time of this writing, 28 states plus Washington, D.C., have telemedicine parity bills or laws that require payers to reimburse for telemedicine services at the same rate as for in-person services, as reported by the American Telemedicine Association. This encourages providers to welcome telemedicine as a tool in practicing medicine.

3. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the primary factors driving the rapid growth of telemedicine include our aging population, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the popularity of smartphones. Considering that this technology increases access to care at greater convenience for patients who cannot travel easily, this comes as no surprise. In fact, integrating telemedicine with home health care addresses this very issue.

4. A :Dental Plans survey found that two-thirds of consumers are willing to try telemedicine. The top reasons they cited were access to care without travel and easy, 24-hour access to medical assistance.

5. Doctors are embracing telemedicine, too—especially for dermatology, psychiatry, infectious diseases, pain management, neurology, and cardiology, as identified by an American Well survey.

With such widespread interest, the telemedicine industry will only expand more rapidly in the years to come. Here at swyMed, we’re ready to stay ahead of the curve—are you?

To view a demo of the swyMed telemedicine platform, contact us online at swyMed.com today!