There's a new term being heard in medical circles that is becoming the new normal in the coronavirus era: TeleMedicine and it's on the rise.

Joining us in this the discussion of this rising trend is Dr. Dan O'Brien. Welcome Dr. Dan. 

Q&A:

 Dr. Dan question: What new healthcare technologies do you see being used in the future because of the COVID-19 outbreak?

Dr. Dan answer: The use of telemedicine is important as ever during this time because it allows patients to get access to their health care provider virtually without going into the clinic and potentially risking getting other infected with COVID-19. Telemedicine is making a very positive contribution to healthcare.

Dr. Dan question: Could a technology like telemedicine prevent the future spread of COVID 19?

Dr. Dan answer:  Telemedicine is emerging as an effective solution for precaution and prevention measures as it  s allowing symptomatic patients to stay at home, and also this allows to stop the spread of the virus to mass populations and to front line healthcare workers.

Dr Dan question: What are public health officials and the CDC saying about telemedicine solutions?

Dr. Dan answer: The CDC is urging the public and medical staff to use telehealth solutions for non-urgent communication as this reduces the burden of emergency rooms.

Dr. Dan question: What are some additional benefits of telemedicine during this crisis?

Dr. Dan answer:  The first is that patients can be screened through telemedicine rather than patients actually going to the clinic or hospital. Then, healthcare providers can appropriately determine the risk and then from there act appropriately, and the healthcare system can simultaneously keep infected individuals away from medical offices and hospitals. 

Dr. Dan question: Can healthcare providers who are infected still be able to utilize telemedicine?

Dr. Dan answer: Yes, the benefits of telemedicine is it allows health care providers to work remotely even if infected with COVID-19 to still help out patients and provide the access to care that they need. Telemedicine allows doctors to expand their reach on how many patients they can help

Dr. Dan question: What are the limitations on the use of telemedicine?

Dr. Dan answer: Some high-risk patients might not be suitable for telemedicine as these patients may require hospitalization. 

Dr. Dan question: From the literature, what do patients think about telemedicine?

Dr. Dan answer: In a recent study, it was shown that 84% of patients would pick a provider who offered telemedicine, so it's clear that technology is what patients need and want. The use of telemedicine is surging across the country 

Dr. Dan question: Can telemedicine help patients who are having mental health issues like a high degree of anxiety and stress during COVID-19?

Dr. Dan answer: Yes, telemedicine can help with these mental health patients because it allows patients to get immediate care and have a provider listen and understanding their needs

Dr. Dan question: As a futurist, what is the next phase for Telemedicine?

Dr. Dan answer: Telemedicine is evolving each day because COVID-19, and as a futurist, I see the next steps in telemedicine is looking at how to manage early testing, diagnosing, and continued triaging for those patients who need in-patient care.