With the COVID-19 pandemic restricting movement across the globe, it’s easy to see why many industries are shifting towards remote work setups. In many cases, remote interaction is a great way to continue operating regularly while still protecting oneself from the threat of viral transmission.
Following this line of thinking comes remote doctor’s appointments. Unless you are in a life-threatening situation, your next doctor’s appointment will likely be conducted over a teleconferencing application, such as Zoom or Skype.
While remote consultation is better than risking viral exposure—or getting no healthcare at all, for that matter—it does raise a few issues with patients. For one, there is the issue of unstable internet connections, and the fact that not all people may be technologically literate enough to keep appointments via Zoom or Skype calls.
There is also the question of how these kinds of doctor consultations could possibly suffice for the checking of medical conditions. Obviously, the basic diagnostic methods one is used to with checkups, such as monitoring blood pressure or listening to one’s lung health through a stethoscope, can’t be done over such means. This thought has given patients all over the world some cause to question the effectiveness of remote consultations.
When is a remote doctor’s appointment appropriate?
In an article originally published by US News, Dr. David R. Stukus of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio said that while remote doctor’s appointments are not for everybody, they are excellent for conditions “that don’t rely heavily on detailed physical exams or in-office diagnostic testing.”
According to Stukus, this includes checks for behavioral health, follow-up checkups for chronic medical conditions, and the assessment of new patients, where a detailed clinical history is often enough to form an informed diagnosis and course of treatment.
A check-up done over a video call is also very helpful in health screening for COVID-19. Remote doctor’s appointments are a good way to reduce potential transmission, as it enables people exhibiting mild symptoms to continue with self-quarantine measures.
When the COVID-19 crisis finally reaches its end, remote doctor’s appointments will still stay relevant as it allows patients to reach doctors when the distance is too vast for safe travel.
What can you do to make the most out of a remote checkup?
For people with conditions that are appropriate for remote checkups, here are some things that you can do to make the session worth your while.
1. Take note of your appointment
The first step is to remember your own appointment. Set a reminder for your doctor’s appointment via your phone or by marking it on a physical calendar. Ensure that you’re ready for the appointment at least five minutes before the scheduled call.
2. Prepare your tools
If you have a laptop computer with a built-in camera and internet connection, then you are mostly set.
That being said, you should try to look for ways to ensure that there will be nothing or no one to distract you from the call. While it’s best to sit close to the router for minimal wi-fi interference, you may want to look for a room nearby for privacy.
You should also know which video conferencing tool will be used for the call and see whether or not the said app is already installed on your system. If the call is on Zoom, then you can simply click the provided link, and the program should work immediately.
If you are not comfortable handling technology, it’s best to ask for help. If possible, keep a knowledgeable person nearby for faster troubleshooting.
3. Record the session
While you should always be taking notes, having the entire session recorded will be very helpful for you after the session. You can request this ahead of time from your doctor or do it yourself from your end.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to note that the existence of remote doctor’s appointments is meant to supplement, not replace, personal checkups. As efficient as it may seem, some conditions are simply impossible to diagnose and treat over a video call session effectively. That being said, the technology offers great relief for people who need a quick assessment in a pinch.
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