Historically, physicians have been somewhat slow to embrace technology in certain aspects of their practice. After all, they often rely on a thorough physical exam to reach an accurate diagnosis.
One thing relatable to most doctors is the dread when friends, family, and neighbors send them out-of-focus pictures of their toddler’s rash, asking them if it will go away with tea-tree oil.
Despite this, virtual medicine is gaining popularity. Telemedicine prescriptions will have an important place in the future of healthcare, but what will it be exactly?
Lots of our readers are asking if telemedicine can prescribe medication in New York. Read on to learn more to find out the legal and practical aspects of prescribing medications via telemedicine.
What is Telemedicine?
The concept of telemedicine is not new, but it is more widespread today than ever before. Some medical facilities and organizations first attempted telemedicine as much as fifty years ago to get healthcare to people in rural and isolated areas. They achieved some success, but it was difficult with limited technology.
Today almost every household has a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Through these devices, doctors are able to talk to distant patients face to face in their homes while the doctors are in their offices elsewhere.
Even outside of the coronavirus pandemic, telemedicine can be helpful for both patients and doctors.
Telemedicine visits can be used to offer support in the management of chronic health conditions. They can assist in medication management. It can be used to offer consultations and followup visits, too.
Are Telemedicine Doctors Real Doctors?
In most cases, the doctor that you will see in a telemedicine doctor is a doctor that you have visited in person already.
There are likely some people offering telemedicine services online that are not actual doctors so you should beware.
The majority of telemedicine visits are provided by doctors who already have an established relationship with his or her patient. Telemedicine doctors can also prescribe medications when necessary.
In most cases, telemedicine visits will be covered by workers’ compensation and other insurance plans just like any other medical visit.
The Benefits of Telemedicine Prescriptions
Whenever doctors discuss a potential treatment with a patient, they should talk to you about the potential benefits and risks.
This is to help you make an informed decision about your health.
Let’s use this same method to make the case for telemedicine.
Convenience
Now, your doctor doesn’t even have to leave their yacht to see you. All jokes aside, being able to perform a virtual doctor prescription can be very convenient for both the patients and the health care workers.
There are times when making the trip to wait in line to see your doctor so you can get yet another refill on your allergy medication can seem a bit tedious.
Telemedicine consists of remote interaction between you and your doctor, such as a video call. It will be a lot like a routine doctor visit (without the throat swab and lollipop).
Safety
Now, more than ever, we are becoming aware of the dangers of infectious diseases. Doctors and health care workers literally risk their lives to treat contagious patients.
Also, no one really likes to sit in waiting rooms filled with people coughing and sneezing.
Telemedicine might help you skip a few unnecessary (and risky) trips to the doctor’s office.
Physician Outreach
There are certain communities that don’t have the same access to healthcare as others. There are people who live and work in rural areas where the closest clinic might be hours away.
However, there are plenty of people in urban communities with subpar access as well. Unfortunately, many of these people can’t or won’t see a doctor, even if they feel sick or have pain.
Telemedicine doctors might be able to see people who, otherwise, would have little to no health care. This is an especially powerful tool for psychologists and their patients.
Transparency
As with most businesses in 2020, telehealth reviews are easy to make and lookup.
Don’t wonder what your doctor is going to be like, hop on the computer and find out for yourself what others have said.
Limitations
What can be telemedicine prescribe and what is forbidden?
In general, telehealth is not appropriate in emergency situations. If this is happening, forget about trying to connect the internet and dial 911 immediately.
State regulations may vary. However, a teledocs usually can not prescribe meds for more than 30 days. Also, controlled substances almost always require an in-person appointment.
What is a Telemedicine Visit Like?
A telemedicine visit will be very similar to any other doctor’s appointment you have experienced other than the fact that you and the doctor are not in the same room.
He or she will ask you questions about your current health and any changes that have occurred since your last visit.
At the end of the visit, the doctor can offer diagnosis and may even prescribe medicine. Follow-up care or another telemedicine visit may be scheduled for the future as well.
Much of what a doctor does in an in-person visit is oral. There is no reason that a doctor cannot develop a diagnosis or opinion via a telemedical visit in many cases.
Lots of medical specialties are starting to use telemedicine, at a trend that is accelerating during the coronavirus pandemic. You probably accepted that someone like a psychologist is set up for telemedicine consultation. Still, other medical specialists like orthopedists, neurologists, and even chiropractors are now starting to routinely use telemedicine and other aspects of telehealth in their practice.
Take Two and Skype Me in The Morning
Doctors and healthcare workers have a lot on the line when they make a decision. A responsible physician won’t give you ibuprofen without being sure it is safe.
It has taken a while but telemedicine prescriptions are here and will only become more available. Many workers’ comp doctors in NY are offering telemedicine services. Get in touch with your physician if you’re interested.
Telemedicine is covered by worker’s comp for New Yorkers who were hurt on the job.
NEW: Telemedicine appointments are now available in the safety and comfort of your home.
Call (888) 549-6974 to schedule your virtual consultation or fill out the form below.
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