Everything you need to know about telemedicine

Everything you need to know about telemedicine

 
One day or another, everyone walks by: it hurts all over, even your hair. Your nose is runny like a maple tree in April, and you are using enough facial tissue to support the factory that makes them. You should go to the clinic, but you neither have the courage nor the strength to leave the sofa. And going and sitting in a waiting room with other people is not a good idea for anyone. But ... what if you could talk to a healthcare professional without waiting or traveling? Good news! As we live in a connected world, we now have access to virtual care, also called "telemedicine".

Good news! As we live in a connected world, we now have access to virtual care, also called "telemedicine".

What is telemedicine?

You can think of it as on-demand access to healthcare professionals, via secure text or video conferencing, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Telemedicine connects you with nurses and doctors who can answer your questions and address your concerns about your health.

With 61% of family physicians saying they can't take urgent cases and 20% of Canadians wait 7 days or more to see their doctor, telemedicine is THE perfect solution to many health system problems. traditional.

What are the advantages?

Telemedicine is a quick and easy way to talk to a healthcare professional. There are so many good reasons to give it a try! Here are a few :

Convenient access to care at all times, even evenings and weekends.
No more waiting in crowded emergency rooms for minor health concerns.
No need to take time off from work or drive across town to talk to a healthcare professional.
Stress-free consultations, in the comfort of your own home.
Private care for non-urgent physical and mental disorders.
Prescriptions and refills provided in minutes.
Easily obtain appointments with specialists and request a laboratory.
Quick and easy access to your digital medical record.
What types of elective health problems can be treated with telemedicine?

You can avoid waiting hours at the clinic or emergency room for physical or mental health problems such as:

Infections
Rashes and skin irritations
Anxiety
Stomach and digestion problems
Cough
A cold
The Depression
The flu (without complications)
Tips for losing weight
Insomnia
The fight against smoking
Sports injuries
Telemedicine, however, may not be suitable for all health concerns. When possible, you can get quick access to care before the problem gets worse.

How can I access telemedicine?

There are several ways to access telemedicine. Many Canadian companies now offer it as part of their benefit plans. Check yours to see if you qualify.

Otherwise, many private clinics offer telemedicine on their online platform, for a fee. To find a supplier, all you need to do is do an online search.

Data source: Truven Health Analytics, Avoidable Emergency Department Usage Analysis, 2013, taken from: www.truvenhealth.com - External link. This link will open in a new window. (English only).