Medical facilities have changed more than ever today. There was a time when we had to travel for hours to meet a doctor when we fell ill. Many times we had to stand in long queues outside the clinic or hospital. Now technology has made this situation much easier. Telemedicine – that is, consulting a doctor through phone or video call – is now becoming very common.
But a big question is when should we choose telemedicine and when should we go to the doctor for an in-person visit? Let’s understand this in detail.
When to choose telemedicine?
1. Convenience
The biggest advantage of telemedicine is its convenience.
- You do not need to book a car to go to the hospital.
- Workers have less tension about taking leave.
- If there are small children at home, then there is no problem of leaving them.
For example, suppose you work in an IT company and spend 9 hours in the office every day. Suddenly you have a minor problem like cough-cold or headache. In such a situation, taking leave and going to the hospital can become a hassle. On the other hand, with telemedicine, you can consult a doctor online during break time.
2. Routine Care
Many times we do not have a major disease, but only need routine checkup or follow-up appointment.
- Patients of diabetes or high blood pressure have to show the report to the doctor regularly.
- Often the doctor just adjusts the dose of medicines or suggests the next test.
- For this, going to the hospital every time and standing in queue can be a waste of time.
In such cases, telemedicine is perfect.
3. Access to Specialists
In a big country like India, specialist doctors are not available everywhere.
- Patients in small towns and villages often have to travel to big cities.
- Imagine, a heart patient lives in a village in Bihar and has to go to a big hospital in Delhi or Mumbai. This increases both cost and time.
But now this has become easy with telemedicine. You can talk to a renowned specialist doctor from anywhere in the country.
4. Cost & Time Savings
The doctor’s fee has to be paid once, but travel, hotel and other expenses also become a burden on the patient.
- All these expenses are saved in telemedicine.
- Time is saved, which is very important for the patient and his family at times.
Suppose a farmer has to go from the village to the city to see a doctor. He has to bear the cost of transport, food and the loss of a day’s wages. This problem can be eliminated with online consultation.
5. Infection Control
Hospitals and clinics are often crowded.
- Flu, viral, or other infectious diseases can spread easily in such an environment.
- This risk is especially high for the elderly and children.
- With telemedicine, you can consult a doctor from the safety of your home.
6. Help in remote locations
In villages, hilly areas or where health services are limited – telemedicine is no less than a boon.
Many times in small towns there are only primary health centers, but no specialists.
With the help of mobile and internet, people there can now get good medical care.
When to do an in-person visit?
Telemedicine is not the solution to every problem. There are some situations when it becomes necessary to meet the doctor face-to-face.
1. Need for a Physical Exam
In some diseases, the doctor has to do a manual examination.
Such as breast exam, abdominal examination, or the need for a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat.
For these things, in-person visit is the right option.
2. Serious or Severe Symptoms
If the symptoms are very serious, then video call alone cannot be relied upon.
In case of severe chest pain, sudden difficulty in breathing, or fainting, one should go to the hospital immediately.
The doctor can give you the right treatment after seeing you.
3. Need for Diagnostic Tests
- Many diseases are detected only through tests.
- Tests like blood test, X-ray, MRI or ultrasound cannot be done online.
- For this, the patient will have to go to the hospital or lab.
4. Technology Barriers
- Not everyone has fast internet, smartphone or laptop.
- Elderly people often find it difficult to use video calls.
- In such a situation, in-person visit is easier.
5. Holistic Assessment
Sometimes the doctor has to understand the condition of the patient by looking at him completely.
- Even small things like facial color, gait, shine of the eyes can indicate the disease.
- This experience is not completely possible in telemedicine.
What things should be paid attention to?
Patient Comfort
Every person is different.
- Some people feel comfortable talking to the doctor from home.
- While some people are satisfied only when the doctor sees them face to face and explains.
Type of Care
Which option to choose depends on the type of your disease.
- If it is a routine checkup then telemedicine is right.
- If an operation is needed then you will definitely have to go to the hospital.
Conclusion
Telemedicine has made health services more accessible and affordable. This facility is especially for those people There are patients who live far away, who have time constraints, or who want to have a routine checkup.
However, in case of severe symptoms, tests, and physical examinations, an in-person visit is necessary.
That means choosing the right option at the right time is wise.
