Doctor on Demand, a Telehealth Provider
It’s hardly unexpected that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a substantial increase in telehealth visits as patients opted for remote consultations over in-person care.
Despite the fact that many companies have suffered as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, telemedicine is one industry that is showing no signs of slowing down. As lockdowns in several jurisdictions have caused doctors’ offices to close and patients to stay at home, the demand for virtual doctor’s appointments has grown.
With 24-hour access to doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other medical experts, care is always available, anytime and anywhere. Select and view your favorite providers again and again, right from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine saw a significant increase in visit volume, with total visit volume up 59 percent above the baseline from March to April.
The investigation showed four types of telehealth visits: respiratory illness (including potential COVID-19 symptoms), chronic illness, unscheduled behavioral health services (offered within an urgent care facility staffed by trained primary care providers), and scheduled behavioral health services (including therapy and psychiatry).
According to the study, visits for respiratory illnesses increased through the week of March 20, with visit volume increasing by 35% above the baseline, and then steadily declined through the week of June to 65 percent below the baseline.
When we talk about health coverage, we’re really talking about access to health care. Even when patients have health insurance, access can be frustrating. It’s no secret that patients are agitated when they have to wait two weeks to see a primary care physician for something as simple as a persistent sore throat.
To that end, some providers are establishing themselves in order to facilitate access to the care delivery system.
One Medical, for example, takes pride in offering same-day appointments. Companies like Doctor On Demand, which aim to provide mobile, on-demand access to physicians for sessions. These can help people with minor illnesses consult with a doctor and then get on with their lives.
Doctor on Demand, a telehealth provider, and Grand Rounds, a clinical navigation platform, are merging to form a new integrated, multibillion-dollar virtual care company.
Grand Rounds’ data-driven clinical navigation platform, which helps patients find the right care and expertise for specific conditions, will be combined with the new company.
Telemedicine:
Telemedicine means “remote delivery of healthcare services”. It has been used to improve healthcare delivery in a wide range of applications. While telemedicine has been utilized for many years, it has seen an exponential increase as a result of the ongoing pandemic. In fact, the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 160 percent rise in telemedicine medical visits after November 2019.
Telemedicine can be broadly defined as the use of telecommunication technologies to provide medical information and services. Telemedicine utilizes information and telecommunications technology to transfer medical information for the diagnosis, therapy, and education. Telemedicine generally allows patients to discuss symptoms, medical issues, and complications with a healthcare provider in real-time. Using telemedicine, you can receive a diagnosis, learn treatment plans, and get a prescription. In cases where it’s necessary, the healthcare providers can even monitor medical readings to keep an eye on your condition. Today individuals do not need to schedule an in-house visit with a physician to receive treatment.
Why there is a need of Telemedicine?
In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis to identify and implement effective solutions to address the shortages of health workers in remote and rural areas. In response to this increased interest, World Health Organization has launched a program of work on “increasing access to health workers in remote and rural areas through telemedicine and improved retention”. Telemedicine increases access to healthcare providers; patients living in remote areas can easily obtain clinical services.
With the help of telemedicine, a patient does not have to travel to the healthcare provider and saves time. Telemedicine provides cost-effective as well as offers time-efficient solutions. Further, telemedicine eliminates any chances of transmitting infectious diseases from a patient to healthcare providers.
Improving care models and health outcomes, especially for people with chronic illnesses or who require post-acute care.
Integrating remote monitoring and digital therapies with virtual visits, particularly in value-based provider arrangements where virtual health could improve patient outcomes and overall performance.
Telemedicine is most useful for diagnosing and treating common illnesses and conditions such as acne, flu, strep throat, urinary tract infections, and bumps and bruises.
A telehealth doctor can also order lab tests in your area, review the results digitally, and follow up with you. The same is true for prescription drugs: online doctors can send an electronic prescription to your preferred pharmacy.
Cost without Insurance
Telemedicine is becoming more popular as technology advances. However, the cost of telehealth can be expensive, particularly for those without health insurance.
According to a 2017 study, a telehealth visit costs $75 on average, compared to $146 for a doctor’s visit and $1,730 for an emergency room visit. Here is a sample of current telehealth visit costs for patients without health insurance, broken down by provider.
Whether or not you have health insurance, doctor’s visits can be costly. Going to the doctor is a necessary but costly part of life, with hidden fees, copays, and unexpected charges. However, there is a growing alternative that allows you to save money and the hassle of going to a traditional doctor’s office when you’re too sick to get out of bed. Telehealth, a service that allows patients to communicate with and receive treatment from doctors over the internet, is an inexpensive and convenient way to treat your medical issues.
Telehealth enables patients to consult with doctors and receive treatment from the comfort of their own homes. This is a great option for those who seek an affordable healthcare complement to their traditional insurance policy