A student found themselves home during the recent crisis and needing to see his doctor. He had difficulty breathing through his nose and a few other symptoms. He did not want to go sit with a bunch of people worried he might get sicker.
Teledoc, which is available nationwide, connects doctors and patients by phone. The student was was able to be diagnosed with a sinus infection and given a prescription.
Video conferencing and health care by phone has been available for quite some time. The recent coronavirus epidemic though has increased the need for it greatly though. Millions of people are doing this for the first time.
Medicare has now decided to let patients use telecare, which was only allowed in certain cases previously. Along with being allowed to work over state lines finally for virtual checkups some states have waived the need to be licensed in their state to practice medicine.
There are limitations, such as when doctors need to use equipment or get x-rays. Though doctors can now make observations of a patient in their home which can be useful.
Due to the recent epidemic, calls are up to around 15,000 calls a day, up 50% from February. Clinics all across the country are quickly moving, at least temporarily, to telecare for most all meetings. which is fine with a lot of nervous patients.
LIS 4022 Spring 2020 