A complete guide to telemedicine - Everything you should know

You've heard of telemedicine, but what is it? 

Well, not to worry, we have you covered! 

We've put together this article to ensure you have all the information about telemedicine you might need in one easy-to-access place.

An essential part of ensuring your telemedicine journey isn't a flop is utilizing the right software platform. Carepatron is the best online telemedicine software on the market. It was designed in collaboration with a range of healthcare practitioners to ensure it maximizes efficiency and improves your capacity to help those around you.

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine is a new way to provide health support to patients through technological capabilities such as mobile phones, computers, or tablets. Telemedicine enables healthcare practitioners to meet with patients via audio call, video call, email, text, or tracking applications. In the past couple of years, it has become increasingly clear that we face uncertain times, and healthcare needs are constant despite these changes. Health services are an integral part of our society, and as practitioners, we continue to struggle to support this increased demand. Therefore one of the best solutions for a large majority of the healthcare community is telemedicine.

Who uses telemedicine?

Telemedicine is used by healthcare workers in a range of capacities. The ongoing creation of new technology that is useful in healthcare presents a range of new opportunities. In addition to this, it also creates more things to consider and challenges to overcome. With the development of new software and technology and a vastly increased population of healthcare workers using telemedicine in their practice, guidelines are imperative to ensure practitioners can seamlessly manage this transition. We have created this article to do many important things, but most importantly; 

• Educate healthcare workers around adopting new software
• Help healthcare workers choose to implement technology 
• Provide hints and tips

How does telemedicine work?

Telemedicine works by enabling healthcare practitioners to access their patients through different platforms other than in person, examples of this being a patient portal or a tool for virtual appointments. Telemedicine provides many benefits and not just for the practitioner or your office staff. Many practitioners also report a significant improvement in patient engagement, especially in specific demographics that have struggled with attendance or no-shows in the past.

Wait times are another area that has benefited exponentially within medical practices, with scheduling software solutions providing practitioners a way to manage their availability proactively. Telemedicine reduces travel times and no-shows; it enables connectivity between patient and practitioner and is an excellent choice for any healthcare worker!

History of Telemedicine vs How it is today 

Telemedicine today looks very different from how it did years ago. In fact, telemedicine initially started out as telecommunications technology in the late 19th century and involved communicating via electromagnetic signals. If this sounds fancy, you’ll be surprised to know that this just means mediums such as the telegraph, radio, and the telephone. Fast forward to the early 20th century, these technologies began to be applied to the field of medicine. 

The original goal was to be able to reach patients living in remote or isolated areas, however, with rising shortage numbers and health industry strains, telecommunication morphed into the telemedicine we know today. By using telemedicine, the U.S government and staff could raise clinical outcomes without compromise. The 1960s brought about large investments into the Health and Human Sciences Department, which saw revolutionary discoveries and innovative research that integrated both technology and medicine. 

Nowadays, several hundred research companies, universities, and medical centers dedicate specific areas of research and staff to conducting telemedicine studies and sessions for client benefit. Many mobile health apps are in use and are also being continually developed so clients can access care from the comfort of their own homes. Using various tracking devices, patients can also take vitals and monitor changing levels (such as glucose) with no effort at all.

Pros and cons of using telemedicine for healthcare practitioners

Using telemedicine is one of the best ways to elevate the quality and status of your healthcare practice, due to the following pros:

• High convenience - As briefly touched on, telemedicine serves as a great way to provide access to those who live in isolated areas, and who may not be able to commute to in-person appointments. It works to break down physical barriers and provide quality care to clients from anywhere in the world. 
• Increases engagement - Telemedicine means clients can connect with practitioners more often, which always contributes to greater professional relationships. 
• Reduces costs - Telemedicine eliminates overhead costs and can save money for clients by cutting out commute prices. Patients can avoid unnecessary doctor visits, and be much more efficient. 
• Better clinical outcomes - With telemedicine, practitioners can implement closer monitoring systems, with follow-ups becoming much more efficient during video chats and consultations. 

Whilst telemedicine inevitably provides benefits, it’s also important to note that there are some cons to bear in mind. Doing so allows you to be better prepared for what might come your way. 

• Technical training - Because telemedicine deals with technology and virtual platforms, it might take a bit to get used to. Although, with practice, you can quickly pick it up, regardless of your technical skill. Most platforms are designed for anyone to use, old and young, technologically inclined and otherwise. 
• Reduced in-person interactions - Nothing can quite replace in-person interactions, with many patients still preferring this model over online sessions.
• Changing policies - You need to be HIPAA compliant, and we won’t lie - navigating this can be tricky when policies can change month to month!

Applications of telemedicine service

Telemedicine can be used for a variety of different healthcare services, which makes it a highly flexible and adaptable option for healthcare practices. Different specialties will have their own unique uses for telemedicine and can use it in several ways. 

For example, a sleep specialist may use sleep-tracking health apps to monitor a patient’s sleep cycle and help alleviate their insomnia. Psychiatrists and psychologists can use telemedicine to assess a patient’s well-being and help curate coping strategies and plans to improve their condition. A gynecologist can also provide birth control counseling via video consultations or messaging services. The list is endless, and there is no limit to what a healthcare practitioner chooses to do with the resources they have and the goals that need to be met. 

Some other conditions that telemedicine can work to treat and assess include the following:

• Common colds and flu
• Infections
• Allergies
• Rashes
• Sore throats
• UTIs
• Rashes
• Asthma
• Vomiting
• Sports injuries

What are the 3 main types of telemedicine services

Although you’re likely thinking of a Zoom call when it comes to telemedicine, you may be surprised to discover that there are a variety of types of telemedicine types. This includes the following. 

Store-and-forward telemedicine

Commonly referred to as asynchronous telemedicine, this type allows healthcare practitioners to share important medical information and data with fellow external providers. This can involve sending lab results, images, and medical records through email, or exchanging details on a phone call. Data can be exchanged at any point in time, with this service being especially beneficial for interprofessional medical services. If a provider needs to outsource diagnoses (such as sharing x-rays to a specialist), this type of telemedicine can provide exceptional benefit. It increases clinical outcomes, lowers wait times, and promotes faster and more accurate diagnoses. 

Remote monitoring

Telemedicine can track patients' vital signs effectively, and monitor those who are at risk with minimal effort. Commonly referred to as home telehealth or telemonitoring, remote patient monitoring allows clients to track their own levels (such as a diabetic tracking glucose) and flag abnormal results automatically. Data can be transmitted to healthcare practitioners with little difficulty. It’s a great way to track health using wearable devices, and with accessible tools. 

Real-time telehealth

As the opposite of store-and-forward, real-time telehealth is known as synchronous telemedicine and requires a live interaction between healthcare practitioners and their patients. This can be through either audio or video communication and can be a viable alternative to in-person appointments. Patients can be seen from the comfort of their homes, and all you need is a camera and a microphone.

Guidelines and regulations to abide by while using Telemedicine

Because telemedicine involves technology and virtual services, there are some special guidelines and regulations that you must follow in order to avoid costly charges. 

Firstly, you need to be aware of the American Telemedicine Association (AMA), which has collated guidelines that cater to all specialties. These are technical, clinical, and administrative standards that must be followed in order to correctly adopt telemedicine services, and based on over 600 studies, the AMA has extensive expertise in this area. They’re on your side, and implementing their protocols can ensure that you’re correctly adopting the right care. For example, telemedicine shouldn’t be used in any case of medical emergencies, or where an in-person exam is required. This is in cases of very severe symptoms, or where aggressive interventions are needed. 

You must also follow the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, also known as HIPA_, which covers all the privacy standards you must adhere to. HIPAA ensures that client information is protected and that you’re able to safeguard all your business and health data from potential breaches, without compromising confidentiality. Failing to comply can result in charges from anywhere from $50 to $1.5million.

Things you need to start while using telemedicine

There are a couple of things that you’ll need in order to implement telemedicine within your clinic. Fortunately, there’s nothing too extensive (or expensive) required!

• Microphone - Make sure your microphone can pick up on anything you say, as muffled sound can be intensely frustrating to deal with! It can be helpful to test this out before jumping straight into a session with a client - and most microphone software should have this function.
• Good wi-fi - You will, of course, require a strong internet connection. Fiber solutions are excellent because they provide fast broadband and can handle all Zoom calls quickly. It’s a reliable option and can provide you with peace of mind when it comes to connecting with clients. 
• Additional power sources - In the unlikely event that your power goes out, ensure that you have an alternate power source so that your session doesn’t end abruptly. Unforeseen situations do occur, and it is best to be prepared for them.‍
• Camera - A high-resolution video camera is required if you offer video consultations, as the client will get more out of a session by being able to attach a face to a voice. The more megapixels and frame rates there are, the better quality.

What features of telemedicine does a practice management software provide

Practice management platforms are the best way to access and conduct telemedicine as they provide a myriad of valuable features for you to use. Some of the best software, including Carepatron, will include the following:

• Video consultations - You can video call your clients, no matter where you are. At any time and place (including in the comfort of your own home), you can connect with your patients and deliver high-quality care. This can be for urgent or primary care, as well as any follow-up consultations. With close-up abilities, you can assess lab results, as well as other important medical data. 
• Messaging services - In the case that you’re not a video fan, you can also discuss information with patients through email and messaging services. This can be useful for answering any queries, questions, or concerns, as well as sending reminders or important documents. 
• Online payments - You can also make online payments right then and there through an online portal. It’s HIPAA compliant (so all your data is protected through encryption), and complete intakes and billing notes in one place. It’s highly convenient, with a variety of different payment methods available too.

Common terminologies used in telemedicine

When new to the telemedicine realm, it can be a bit overwhelming at first to wrap your head around the medical lingo, and what it all means. Luckily, we’re here to help! You’ve probably heard of many of these terms before, and they’re pretty straightforward once you have them under your belt. 

• Telemedicine - Using telecommunications technology for clinical services
• Telehealth - Sometimes interchangeable with telemedicine, telehealth focuses on health services, whereas telemedicine concerns clinical services.
• Distant site - Physician’s site of the location at the time of the service provision
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR) - The storage, retrieval, and modification of patient records
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) - Collection of broad patient data that can be shared across health settings. This commonly refers to billing details, medical history, vital signs, and others. 
• Encryption - The encoding of data where only authorized users can access the information
• HIPAA - the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act that outlines standards for handling, protecting, and storing confidential patient information 
• Originating site - Known as the patient site, this is the patient’s location of when they receive telemedicine service
• Remote monitoring - Using digital medical devices to transfer real-time data to practitioners‍
• Video conferencing - Transmitting real-time digital video images across locations

What does the future of telemedicine look like?

Telemedicine is very much an up-and-coming industry, and coincides with the large increase in technology developments. It’s quickly becoming widely accepted and positively received, with thousands of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities integrating telemedicine in most aspects of care. Wearable devices such as smartwatches, as well as robotic surgeries, are only a couple of the many thousands of ways telemedicine is being used, with the technology improving at an exponential rate. In fact, the market is so viable, that many digital health startups are blossoming within the telemedicine industry, which has previously never been seen. 

There are certainly still barriers in place when it comes to telemedicine, such as backward reimbursement policies, and outdated state legislation and licensing requirements. However, the telemedicine industry was projected to be worth $36.3 billion by 2020, with this only increasing as the years pass by. The future is looking very positive for telemedicine, with the recent pandemic catapulting this demand.

What are the benefits of having telemedicine services for therapists

Telemedicine has some different benefits that we'll detail for you below. One important thing to remember is that you need to choose the right software platform to conduct telemedicine; call us biased, but we think Carepatron is the best option on the market today… Here's why:

Carepatron not only offers the most user-friendly telemedicine software, but it is an all-in-one healthcare workspace for all of your practice needs. Carepatron offers a vast number of functions outside of appointment scheduling, including;

• Client records
• Scheduling
• Notes
• Tasks
• Reminders
• Client portal
• Voice transcription

‍It makes sessions with patients convenient

Telemedicine software means that your patients will have a more convenient experience. They can book or reschedule their appointments online. They receive instant appointment invites, which will synchronize with their calendars. Plus, they will receive automatic reminders, so they don't forget about essential bookings ever again. These beautiful experiences result in happier and more engaged patients. Making therapy more accessible and more manageable is a win-win for everyone.

Giving patients more agency in their treatment empowers them to take ownership of their journey and outcomes! What a fantastic product for you and your clients and a no-brainer.

It saves you money

Using telemedicine will mean that you can maximize your productive time. As healthcare professionals, we aren't in the business to make money but using resources effectively is an integral part of making a good living from what we do. Telemedicine software won't be the first thing you think of when attempting to increase your business's revenue, but optimizing your available time slots means you can see more patients. More patient sessions = increased revenue. Additionally, it will mean not having to deal with double bookings, and no-shows and reduce the number of cancellations because patients can book and attend their appointments at a time that suits you both.

It improves saves time for patients

An effective telemedicine software like Carepatron will automatically send out SMS or email reminders to android or IOS mobile devices. These appointment reminders will mean you are far less likely to have patients forget about your appointment altogether or call you last minute to cancel. Smart appointment reminders allow patients to interact with the booking, accept, reschedule, or cancel if needed. We all know things come up. Empowering clients to manage these changes removes friction and a whole heap of admin work for you and your team and saves travel time for your patients!

How is telemedicine different from Telehealth

Telehealth vs. Telemedicine? 

The names sound quite similar, and while we’ve touched on telemedicine, you may be wondering what the difference is in comparison to telehealth. Sometimes they are used interchangeably, however, they are quite different. 

Essentially, telemedicine is practicing medicine using technology to deliver care from a distance. A healthcare worker in one location will use a telecommunication device such as a laptop or mobile to provide care to a patient at another site. 

Telehealth refers broadly to electronic and telecommunications technologies as well as services to provide care from a distance. 

Telehealth and telemedicine are different in that Telehealth refers to a broader scope of remote health care services than telemedicine. Telemedicine refers specifically to remote clinical services, while telehealth can refer to remote services that aren't clinical, and is broader. Telehealth isn’t necessarily exclusive to a specific clinical or health service, and in many ways, is a much wider area of interest than telemedicine. 

Got all that? Not to worry, if not, check out this site for more great info.

Say Yes To Better Tools

After reading about how transformational telemedicine software is, the only question is which software platform to choose?

Carepatron is the clear winner and here's why: 

• The fact that it's FREE
• Integrated Stripe or PayPal point of sale payment processing
• Automated reminders which you can customize
• It is an impressive CRM for healthcare.
• Using the booking page to manage online bookings
• Amazing clinical templates
• The very best customer support I have ever seen 
• The ability to build a community based around my work
• A to-do list where I can manage all of my workloads in one place, reducing the cognitive load from doing my job
• Telehealth with the ability to start a video call anytime
• A transcription service, so I don't have to type out my notes.
• Ability to collaborate, I can bring my client and the rest of their care team together in one digital workspace—sharing information seamlessly in an encrypted, HIPAA-certified environment.

But don't take my word for it! Instead, click here to Try Carepatron for free yourself.

Further reading:

• Benefits of Telemedicine | John Hopkins
• What’s the difference between telemedicine and telehealth?