Unpacking Telemedicine: What You Need to Know

🩺 Understanding Telemedicine

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine provides medical care through video or audio connection with a doctor, all from the comfort of wherever you are. The care provided follows the same medical guidelines as in-person visits.

What Can Be Done Through Telemedicine?

Telemedicine offers both convenience and efficiency. Through a virtual visit, providers can:

• Order lab work and diagnostic tests

• Make referrals to specialists

• Prescribe medications (with some exceptions — for example, controlled pain medications cannot be prescribed via telemedicine)

Benefits

• Care from home, work, or while traveling

• Saves time and avoids waiting rooms

• Maintains continuity of care for chronic conditions

Limitations

Telemedicine does have some limitations because the doctor isn’t physically in the room. For example:

• Certain chest infections are best evaluated in person

• We cannot look inside the ear or physically examine the thyroid gland

• Some conditions simply require an in-person examination to ensure safety and accuracy

The Bottom Line

Telemedicine is a powerful tool that makes healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered. But it works best when combined with traditional in-person care for situations that require a hands-on exam