Since the pandemic, we can all admit that we have taken advantage of a lot of ‘normal’ things- even as simple as holding a conversation in public. Because of this, many of us who have stopped our social lives find it difficult to cope and it may have affected our mental health. Luckily, with today’s technology, holding a conversation is as easy as pressing a send button. Though the lack of physical conversation may cause a lot of harm especially to those who are self-isolating, isn’t it a relief that despite everything, we can still contact our loved ones with a click of a button? It would be devastating if the pandemic happened years ago when communication meant sending letters or going to a payphone to hold a short conversation. Let’s see the cons and pros for remote doctor communications.
Because of the advancement of technology, we can definitely agree that it is a huge advantage, not only to keep up with our social lives but also to communicate with everyone around us. Nowadays, online messaging, voice and video calls are the most common ways of communicating. It is amazing how online communication is catered for everyone, even for those in the medical field. Remote doctor communications are one of the top ways in order to contact many of our healthcare workers today. It is all thanks to HIPAA messaging compliance, which guarantees that all patient and doctor communication is protected and safe over the internet. So you don’t have to worry about online data breach when you have access to telehealth apps that comply with the HIPAA security rules.
There are many reasons as to why remote doctor appointments can be a pro and a con. If you are interested in telehealth but hesitant to give it a shot, then this article is for you. Read more to find out.
Pros of Remote Doctor Communications
- Accessible – Since the pandemic has given us no choice, online doctor appointments are the way to go. Thanks to telehealth, many medical practitioners offer their services, especially those who don’t need to go to the hospital online. The best part about this is that it can be accessed by anyone and everyone as long as they are connected to the internet.
- Easy – Gone are the days of walking to the doctor’s clinic to get an appointment. Since telehealth is accessible, it is so much easier to book a remote appointment or check up with your doctor. Most medical practitioners offer apps that may be accessed using your mobile phone which enables you to set appointments and be able to talk to your doctor with a clock of a button.
- Safe – If you are hesitant to share your health information on the internet, you have nothing to worry about. Many telehealth apps that most doctors are on guarantee your privacy due to the HIPAA security rules that these apps comply with. Many apps are encrypted to guarantee your safety.
Cons of Remote Doctor Communications
- Limitations – Though remote doctor appointments can be accessible and easy, sometimes, patients who have complicated illnesses find it difficult to get checkups from their doctor through the internet. Though telehealth isn’t recommended to those who need immediate medical attention, it is still a hassle not to be able to meet up with your doctor physically.
- Technology-Based – Many patients who are not used to the internet may find it difficult to navigate through telehealth websites and apps.
- Language Barriers – Since telehealth apps are offered all over the world, you may be linked to practitioners from different countries who speak other languages. This can cause difficulty in communication because of the language barrier.
