You missed one. “I have NOT participated in a telemedicine visit, but I would prefer not to do it as a rule.” In some minor medical conditions I could see using it, but there might be some additional medical condition that one would not even be aware of that an in-person visit would allow the physician to observe/smell/feel and address immediately. Palpation goes a long way, mentally and physically.
Norman Harvey
3 years ago
The only issue I see with it is for anything other than I have a cold/ flu /headache etc. and need a prescription for it fine. If it’s for pain, swelling, rash,…….nope need to see DR in person
Len C.
3 years ago
I have to go with the “no intention” route due to my hearing impairment. People seem to think just turn up the volume on your speaker/headphones but I have an extreme difficulty in understanding any electronic voice sounds. (thank goodness for closed captioning on the telly)
Praisemed
3 years ago
I have had only 2 telemedicine visits by 2 different doctors. I think it is better for some things that you basically just need to talk with your doctor, not needing an examination of any kind. Basically a consult. It is much more convenient and more comfortable in your home setting.
NotquiteMacedrake
3 years ago
As a recently retired primary care physician, I refused to participate in this latest rip off of the public and further destroyer of the doctor-patient relationship. It’s also very hard to hear anything with the stethescope up against the computer screen. I was also further scrutinized negatively by my big box employer with additional compensation reductions. This sped up my decision to retire. Sorry, but it’s true. One can only take so much.Rod
Brenda
3 years ago
I have had a Virtual visit and was not impressed, too many unanswered questions, not at all though! Now I have been referred to a renal Dr., which is a virtual visit also, I’ve never seen this Dr. before and I don’t see how they can diagnose me over the internet, a total waste of my time as far as I’m concerned! Then there is the fact that I live in an area known as. Dead zone, so my internet is horrible and keeps dropping the call, and the fact I had to go buy a blood presser monitor so I could show them my blood pressure, an expense I didn’t need!
Sandra Lee
3 years ago
Imho, just another way for the medical “profession” to get more “cattle” through the gates to make more money. Sorry, but how can a doctor determine problems without being able to look at those parts of the body that tell a different story than the one the patient is telling, skin texture, eyes, hearing, hair quality, etc., come on, man.
The quality of care being provided these days sucks. My current physician has EXACTLY 11 minutes to allot to each patient he sees and half of that time is spent repeating history as required by the organization he works for. He’s not happy, nor am I.
I have to make a list of questions/problems so I can get answers on what I have been experiencing and if I can get half of them answered, so be it.
Walmart changed their supplier on a thyroid medication back in May, 2020 to save money. They went from an American producer in West Virginia to a West Germany producer. The Levothyroxine provided by the West German producer did not meet specifications because it shorted the basic ingredient needed by the thyroid. Since I must take it daily, within a few weeks I was experiencing severe problems because it caused the thyroid to shut down. Finally it took months for the organization that my doctor works for to get Walmart to fix the problem.
And, PLEASE, do not blame the shoddy coverage on that overblown virus. Yes the virus has slowed everything down. But, God forbid I should get sick, it would take months before I could get an appointment. I called the first week in July and got the earliest appointment on September 30th for a simple physical and blood test for my yearly checkup and it’s getting worse. Thank goodness I am relatively healthy. All I can say is “follow the money”.
Clay
3 years ago
I have had several telemedicine visits because that is the only arrangement my physician has accepted ever since the Covid lockdown began. I should add that he is affiliated with an academic teaching hospital in the University of California system. You would expect better from a teaching hospital with all the latest knowledge, technologies and plenty of taxpayer money to burn, but you would be wrong. My experience has been terrible. A doctor cannot accurately assess patients in this manner. I had a cough for over 2 months and lost 10% of my body weight. I “saw” my doctor 3 times; all video visits. He never figured it out, never saw me in person, never conducted a physical exam and never ordered any lab work. In retrospect, my visits only wasted time and money. After deteriorating and requesting another visit, the office stopped returning my calls. I finally went outside the UC system and saw 2 specialists right away! They did lab work, X-rays and conducted thorough physical exams. After watching 2 friends with similar symptoms die from lung cancer over the past 2 years, it was very comforting when I finally got the care I needed, in person and received some answers. Nothing replaces a one-on-one in person meeting with your doctor. No matter how many lies we are fed, this is the honest truth. Telemedicine is a fraud!
Cindy
3 years ago
I seldom go to the doctor except for annual check-ups. So if I have a health issue, I go. By GO, I mean I have something about which I feel I need to see a doctor or nurse. I am not interested in paying an office call to FaceTime. Waste of time. I know people who had Covid and were directed to do telemedicine, which got them basically no help, and they damn near died by the time they got in-person treatment. It’s just drive-by medicine and we should not buy into it.
Linda Hahn
3 years ago
Our doctor isn’t even having office hours right now. Fortunately, we’re for the most part healthy and rarely need to see him. He called us to tell us that our insurance wanted him to do a “wellness check” last summer online. How ridiculous! He set the date and time, and then told us to be sure to weigh ourselves and check our blood pressure soon before the “visit”. I assume he got a “twofer” from the insurance company. It was a waste of our time. Later, I started having issues with Reynaud Syndrome-I googled to see if there was anything I could do. I was a little alarmed when an article recommended you contact your doctor if it only happened on one limb-so I emailed to ask if he should look at it (it only happens to 3 fingers on the left hand-thought it might be the start of heart issues. . .)He emailed back that I should call a homeopathic pharmacy he is part-owner of and have them send me gingko. I had some in the bathroom, so I didn’t bother. After that, I ordered it online where I could get it cheaper and for free shipping (since the homeopathic isn’t open to foot traffic, either). It is disgusting that I’m sure he charged insurance for an “office visit” for that quick bit of advice.
Lynette Davis
3 years ago
My PCP told me that every time he uses it, it turns out inefffective. On the other hand, telemedicine for mental health therapy, as long as there is a good connection, is wonderful. Full disclosure, I am a MH long distance counselor.
Mark
3 years ago
With all that is going on you couldn’t come up with a more pertinent poll!?
Anne
3 years ago
Had lung cancer surgery in Dec 2019. All things medical closed in March 2020 in my area. Needed follow up visits with my Doctors and ct scans which I was unable to schedule due to the closures. When things opened up in August my critical care pulmonary doctor wanted to do a telemedicine visit which I declined and insisted on being seen in the office. I was able to get my follow up ct scan at that time. Had a telemedicine visit with my family doctor which was totally useless…will NEVER do this again. Fortunately I am cancer free and the delayed medical care did not adversely affect my health.
aluminum head
3 years ago
2 Little words – no thanks. I have enough trouble with the normal face to face visits.
Becky Woods
3 years ago
I feel people go to the doctor WAY TOO MUCH,so it might help slow that down some
Rosie
3 years ago
As a NP with many years experience, I have a concern that people will choose a virtual visit when a “live” visit is possible.
Virtual may be better than no visit but it is NOT the same!
Hands on exams cannot and should not be replaced or minimized in importance. That is why those of us in the medical field spent hundreds/thousands of hours in clinical training.
Mental health is a different issue completely and lends itself to virtual visits.. Medical issues are best treated face to face and should be whenever possible.
Arnie
3 years ago
Skype doctor visits are one more negative effect of the Covid ordeal. Have had a few of them and they were basically worthless as far as I’m concerned. Technology can’t substitute for the real thing this time. Say “Ahh” into your camera? Afterwards I had a lot of doubt about the reliability of the diagnoses, because a proper exam is more than chit-chat. And they still charge you as if you came into the office. What’s next AI physicians?
Ronald R
3 years ago
There are a lot of things you can facetime, but the price for this visit should be a third of in person. With the pandemic, you are lucky if you can get through to your doctor for any type of conversation. My only recourse is to chat online and hope the PA or NP passes on the information and gets back to me. If you are dealing with the normal problems of aging or need answers to questions about long term illness, it is nearly impossible to talk with anyone.
Todd R Rushing
3 years ago
As a Critical Care Paramedic, virtual visits are akin to me driving by with the ambulance and looking in the window. There is no substitute for hands on diagnoses. People will lie about what is wrong with them and give incorrect information. It’s also that people will abuse this like they do using an ER as their primary care physician. The only up side is that most require instant payments for seeing a physician, whereas 1/3 of all ER visits will never be paid.
Carl
3 years ago
If you are too scared to sit down and talk to me, you don’t belong in health care.
Pat
3 years ago
Prior to a few weeks ago, I would have voted for the last one; however, Christmas Eve I came down with a urinary tract infection, had fractured a bone in my leg, had no one to take me to the ER, and this was my only option. It worked well, I was given a prescription, and was on my way. Of course, the pharmacy wasn’t open on Christmas, so I had to wait until the day after to have a friend pick it up for me. In these circumstances, I’d do it again.
Helen H. Johnson
3 years ago
i do not like it at all. my hearing is not good so it is very difficult to understand what the doctor says. I WOULD PREFER TO NEVER HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN!
Sheryl Engler
3 years ago
I fractured my knee cap while on vacation in Maui last Christmas.
After going to get X-rays. I was able to be treated and given a prescription for a brace and medicine I needed virtually. I was so grateful, it kept me from much pain.
Loadofcarp
3 years ago
We live out in the country and we have had three virtual visits. We appreciated not having to drive 35 miles to get our test results, consultation and talk therapy. So it definitely has a purpose. If I know I need a hands on visit then I would definitely drive the 35 miles. Virtual visits can’t take the place of in person visits, but they have a place in healthcare.
Dave
3 years ago
I’m damn sure not paying a doctor for a phone call.
Kate
3 years ago
I believe it is good for minor issues and discussing tests results. Dont feel it is appropriate for bigger or more complicated needs that dont require an ER visit.
AnTo
3 years ago
In today’s messed up World this is par for the course. One big issue is that believe it or not, not everyone has computers or phones that will allow face time with doctors’. Looks like weeding out of elders is in progress. Everything is now done with computers or wi-fi. Even the “Covid shot” appointments must be made online. I always assisted an elder to her appointments and she is very dramatic with symptoms. The doctor makes assumptions on her health when she is putting on an act, panting, etc. After the appointment she is perfectly fine. (At least I can talk to the doctor if we are there) On the phone (mine) appointment, the doctor had her go to the ER. She had better numbers ( BP, oxygen, temp, than I did. It’s a good way for associate doctor’s and hospitals to keep the money flowing.
Wayne
3 years ago
I work with industrial controls and can sometimes fix things over the phone. Other times, it is almost impossible to get accurate and coherent information from the customer. If you use a teledoc and don’t accurately describe your symptoms, you will almost certainly get a bad diagnosis.
Cindy Cunningham
3 years ago
I have used telemedicine 3 times and all 3 times they sent me to the ER. I thought telemedicine was too keep you out of the ER. All 3 times I had minor symptoms but the providers ended up escalating it to the point where I could worsen and die. Any symptom can worsen and you could die. So i will not use telemedicine again. Waste of time and money.
Sudden
3 years ago
Hasn’t telemedicine been practiced in the Australian Outback and Alaska for years?
Sheri Stroyd
3 years ago
I have participated in telemedicine with my internist twice. Both were good experiences. I was able to discuss medications, answer and ask questions and did not feel rushed.
Cmac
3 years ago
I am not a fan of telemedicine. I just cannot communicate effectively with my Dr. over the phone nor do I feel she can communicate effectively with me. I might use it under certain circumstances in an attempt to avoid a trip to the emergency room but otherwise I am more comfortable in a face-to-face situation.
BobA
3 years ago
My wife and I were talking this morning before I saw this about how sorry we are for seniors trying to register for a Covid vaccine. If you call and are hard of hearing or try to register on line and aren’t computer savvy better hope you have someone who will do it for you. Try having a doctor visit is just as bad by phone.
Patriot
3 years ago
My Doctor has not touched me in years. He comes in with his laptop, shows me a picture of what I’m talking about and asks, “Is this what it looks like?” Since I’m healthy I put up with this. You better start liking telemedicine because as with so many other negative consequences of The Virus, it will be the bew normal.
Wayne Peterkin
3 years ago
The big issue is any minor office tests that can be done for a diagnosis. Can’t do that stuff in a televisit. It’s okay for very minor consultations but little else.
Richard A Kampa
3 years ago
This may work for some stuff but doctors may find other problems when they have visual on the whole you. Plus some can actually do better when you are sitting across the table from them. Plus its impossible to do lab work with this system.
James Daffron
3 years ago
We use the computer to have face-to-face video conferences with several of our doctors. This includes me, my wife, and my sister-in-law. We are all well over 70. We have purchased a blood pressure machine, so we weigh, take temperature, blood pressure, and I take my blood sugar, before a telemed. Then with sit down, go over the prelims with the nurse. Then we have a face-to-face with the doctor.
For me, it is much easier than going out and traveling to a doctor, since I am also a cancer patient and very weak. There are some visits that I have to make in-person that leave me exhausted.
I believe for many visits, telemed will be the future of medicine. It will reduce costs, travel time for patients, and be more convenient. Like all changes, some will be uncomfortable with it, at first. But we all will adjust. Younger people and those of us that are more tech savy will adjust easier.
Matt Barnes
3 years ago
I am over 60 and have used telemedicine several times. Keep in mind, it can only be used for certain conditions. My first experience was when I had the flu. Feeling awful and had no interest in going to see the doctor. So nice to do this from my couch. Our insurance has a contract with Cleveland Clinic and the total cis $45.
Jim Barsul
3 years ago
Doc hates it – end of story.
mgoode
3 years ago
You’re kidding me, right? At best, it is a stop-gap for long term patients, updating prescriptions and reporting events.
Otherwise it is either lazy or sketchy, and not good medical practice. There is no substitute for face to face, hands on, with your doctor.
I hesitate to call this medicine. It sounds like something that would be approved under Obamination non-Care, especially for the non-productive elderly.
Donna C Krecklow
3 years ago
Many of my Dr. visits are just routine, such as getting a Rx refill. If I go into the office, the only difference is they check my weight, height, and BP. I do that at home before the Telmed visit so it works just fine. I LOVE it. So much easier and less intrusive. If I have a real problem, I would of course go in for an in person visit.
Susan Rogalsky
3 years ago
I have a bladder infection and just need an antibiotic. I don’t need to see a doctor and risk getting Covid19 by going in. I’m in a very high risk group and prefer to stay as far away from all germs as possible. We did TeleMed, and the doctor let us pick up a clean-catch kit and bring it back to the lab. No contact visit. Picked up the antibiotics at the pharmacy window. It was great! I would do it again, even if there wasn’t a pandemic.
Christopher L Vaughn
3 years ago
dont have the software or know how. one dr did a phone appt. insurance wouldn’t pay so i refuse to do any of this crap. i have told my drs either make me a real appt or slide dates until they can.
Elton
3 years ago
They still charge FULL PRICE, but only give you a virtual visit. How is that not fraud?
C Geil
3 years ago
Assuming you’re relatively healthy, this is probably okay for short-term medical intervention. It is not, however, in my opinion, 100% reliable and responsible health care.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve had the distinct impression that physicians are welcoming socialized medicine, which I find completely baffling. We already know that (most) nurses, like teachers, have gone over to the Communists.
Can anyone explain to me why, after 8+ years of rigorous (hopefully) training, and hundreds of thousands of dollars, a physician would welcome government control of their income, their medical practice (dictating who will receive care, and what kind of care can be dispensed), and violation of their patients’ privacy?
Annonymous
3 years ago
When contacted to ask if I’d be interested in doing a televisit over my scheduled visit a few hours later, I thought: ‘sure…save me from having to get dressed & drive a couple miles to his office..plus…I’m sure it would be cheaper, so I figured I’d give it a try…” To my dismay..after a total of about 7 minutes..keeping in mind about half that time was spent on technical issues (we could see each other but no audio!) Once that was resolved I was told my labs were good and that ended our visit! I’m thinking I just did my part in reducing a medical bill…Wrong. I was charged for a Level Four office visit totally over $200! I was stunned! But…
That’s not the end of this saga. Roughly TWO MONTHS lately, I received a call for a Follow-up visit. I explained I only see my PCP twice a year & was told ‘Oh after a telemedicine conference call, the doctor likes to see his patients THREE MONTHS LATER! ”
I am still in shock of what I consider is abuse /dare I say:”fraud”….but due to being a past long term employee of our small community hospital – all I feel comfortable doing is decline if ever asked again!
Todd
3 years ago
I could see telehealth visits for med refills or routine followup. In my opinion, it is much more qualitative to be examined, looked at, yes and even smelled. A personal picture is worth ten thousand words. I also see telehealth as a ripe potential to have your HIPPA privacy rights violated.
Tumbleweedtundra
3 years ago
Since I live in Alaska, where distances and weather can make traveling logistics time consuming and expensive, sometimes involving driving to an airport, taking a plane and or/a boat or even all three to go see a doctor, I’m all in for telemedicine. A combination of both telemedicine and actual in-person visits is absolutely the way to go. I include this as one of the positive spin-offs of Covid or the CCP Virus or whatever one wants to call it. Gimme that time saving grocery shopping service, telemedicine and the spin-off of getting more of our kids out of socialist-brainwashing public schools, and one can see the silver lining in what was a bad situation.
Paatriot Gramma
3 years ago
I have one prescription, an estradiol patch. For a refill, it is fine but my husband has something more serious going on and it is a waste of time to do telemed.
Phil
3 years ago
I go to the VA and was involved with their telemedicine program. I am diabetic and have high blood pressure. I took my blood pressure daily with a machine they gave me that communicated with them over a cell network. It also downloaded the readings for blood sugar and transmitted it to them daily. I thought that program worked very well.
You missed one. “I have NOT participated in a telemedicine visit, but I would prefer not to do it as a rule.” In some minor medical conditions I could see using it, but there might be some additional medical condition that one would not even be aware of that an in-person visit would allow the physician to observe/smell/feel and address immediately. Palpation goes a long way, mentally and physically.
The only issue I see with it is for anything other than I have a cold/ flu /headache etc. and need a prescription for it fine. If it’s for pain, swelling, rash,…….nope need to see DR in person
I have to go with the “no intention” route due to my hearing impairment. People seem to think just turn up the volume on your speaker/headphones but I have an extreme difficulty in understanding any electronic voice sounds. (thank goodness for closed captioning on the telly)
I have had only 2 telemedicine visits by 2 different doctors. I think it is better for some things that you basically just need to talk with your doctor, not needing an examination of any kind. Basically a consult. It is much more convenient and more comfortable in your home setting.
As a recently retired primary care physician, I refused to participate in this latest rip off of the public and further destroyer of the doctor-patient relationship. It’s also very hard to hear anything with the stethescope up against the computer screen. I was also further scrutinized negatively by my big box employer with additional compensation reductions. This sped up my decision to retire. Sorry, but it’s true. One can only take so much.Rod
I have had a Virtual visit and was not impressed, too many unanswered questions, not at all though! Now I have been referred to a renal Dr., which is a virtual visit also, I’ve never seen this Dr. before and I don’t see how they can diagnose me over the internet, a total waste of my time as far as I’m concerned! Then there is the fact that I live in an area known as. Dead zone, so my internet is horrible and keeps dropping the call, and the fact I had to go buy a blood presser monitor so I could show them my blood pressure, an expense I didn’t need!
Imho, just another way for the medical “profession” to get more “cattle” through the gates to make more money. Sorry, but how can a doctor determine problems without being able to look at those parts of the body that tell a different story than the one the patient is telling, skin texture, eyes, hearing, hair quality, etc., come on, man.
The quality of care being provided these days sucks. My current physician has EXACTLY 11 minutes to allot to each patient he sees and half of that time is spent repeating history as required by the organization he works for. He’s not happy, nor am I.
I have to make a list of questions/problems so I can get answers on what I have been experiencing and if I can get half of them answered, so be it.
Walmart changed their supplier on a thyroid medication back in May, 2020 to save money. They went from an American producer in West Virginia to a West Germany producer. The Levothyroxine provided by the West German producer did not meet specifications because it shorted the basic ingredient needed by the thyroid. Since I must take it daily, within a few weeks I was experiencing severe problems because it caused the thyroid to shut down. Finally it took months for the organization that my doctor works for to get Walmart to fix the problem.
And, PLEASE, do not blame the shoddy coverage on that overblown virus. Yes the virus has slowed everything down. But, God forbid I should get sick, it would take months before I could get an appointment. I called the first week in July and got the earliest appointment on September 30th for a simple physical and blood test for my yearly checkup and it’s getting worse. Thank goodness I am relatively healthy. All I can say is “follow the money”.
I have had several telemedicine visits because that is the only arrangement my physician has accepted ever since the Covid lockdown began. I should add that he is affiliated with an academic teaching hospital in the University of California system. You would expect better from a teaching hospital with all the latest knowledge, technologies and plenty of taxpayer money to burn, but you would be wrong. My experience has been terrible. A doctor cannot accurately assess patients in this manner. I had a cough for over 2 months and lost 10% of my body weight. I “saw” my doctor 3 times; all video visits. He never figured it out, never saw me in person, never conducted a physical exam and never ordered any lab work. In retrospect, my visits only wasted time and money. After deteriorating and requesting another visit, the office stopped returning my calls. I finally went outside the UC system and saw 2 specialists right away! They did lab work, X-rays and conducted thorough physical exams. After watching 2 friends with similar symptoms die from lung cancer over the past 2 years, it was very comforting when I finally got the care I needed, in person and received some answers. Nothing replaces a one-on-one in person meeting with your doctor. No matter how many lies we are fed, this is the honest truth. Telemedicine is a fraud!
I seldom go to the doctor except for annual check-ups. So if I have a health issue, I go. By GO, I mean I have something about which I feel I need to see a doctor or nurse. I am not interested in paying an office call to FaceTime. Waste of time. I know people who had Covid and were directed to do telemedicine, which got them basically no help, and they damn near died by the time they got in-person treatment. It’s just drive-by medicine and we should not buy into it.
Our doctor isn’t even having office hours right now. Fortunately, we’re for the most part healthy and rarely need to see him. He called us to tell us that our insurance wanted him to do a “wellness check” last summer online. How ridiculous! He set the date and time, and then told us to be sure to weigh ourselves and check our blood pressure soon before the “visit”. I assume he got a “twofer” from the insurance company. It was a waste of our time. Later, I started having issues with Reynaud Syndrome-I googled to see if there was anything I could do. I was a little alarmed when an article recommended you contact your doctor if it only happened on one limb-so I emailed to ask if he should look at it (it only happens to 3 fingers on the left hand-thought it might be the start of heart issues. . .)He emailed back that I should call a homeopathic pharmacy he is part-owner of and have them send me gingko. I had some in the bathroom, so I didn’t bother. After that, I ordered it online where I could get it cheaper and for free shipping (since the homeopathic isn’t open to foot traffic, either). It is disgusting that I’m sure he charged insurance for an “office visit” for that quick bit of advice.
My PCP told me that every time he uses it, it turns out inefffective. On the other hand, telemedicine for mental health therapy, as long as there is a good connection, is wonderful. Full disclosure, I am a MH long distance counselor.
With all that is going on you couldn’t come up with a more pertinent poll!?
Had lung cancer surgery in Dec 2019. All things medical closed in March 2020 in my area. Needed follow up visits with my Doctors and ct scans which I was unable to schedule due to the closures. When things opened up in August my critical care pulmonary doctor wanted to do a telemedicine visit which I declined and insisted on being seen in the office. I was able to get my follow up ct scan at that time. Had a telemedicine visit with my family doctor which was totally useless…will NEVER do this again. Fortunately I am cancer free and the delayed medical care did not adversely affect my health.
2 Little words – no thanks. I have enough trouble with the normal face to face visits.
I feel people go to the doctor WAY TOO MUCH,so it might help slow that down some
As a NP with many years experience, I have a concern that people will choose a virtual visit when a “live” visit is possible.
Virtual may be better than no visit but it is NOT the same!
Hands on exams cannot and should not be replaced or minimized in importance. That is why those of us in the medical field spent hundreds/thousands of hours in clinical training.
Mental health is a different issue completely and lends itself to virtual visits.. Medical issues are best treated face to face and should be whenever possible.
Skype doctor visits are one more negative effect of the Covid ordeal. Have had a few of them and they were basically worthless as far as I’m concerned. Technology can’t substitute for the real thing this time. Say “Ahh” into your camera? Afterwards I had a lot of doubt about the reliability of the diagnoses, because a proper exam is more than chit-chat. And they still charge you as if you came into the office. What’s next AI physicians?
There are a lot of things you can facetime, but the price for this visit should be a third of in person. With the pandemic, you are lucky if you can get through to your doctor for any type of conversation. My only recourse is to chat online and hope the PA or NP passes on the information and gets back to me. If you are dealing with the normal problems of aging or need answers to questions about long term illness, it is nearly impossible to talk with anyone.
As a Critical Care Paramedic, virtual visits are akin to me driving by with the ambulance and looking in the window. There is no substitute for hands on diagnoses. People will lie about what is wrong with them and give incorrect information. It’s also that people will abuse this like they do using an ER as their primary care physician. The only up side is that most require instant payments for seeing a physician, whereas 1/3 of all ER visits will never be paid.
If you are too scared to sit down and talk to me, you don’t belong in health care.
Prior to a few weeks ago, I would have voted for the last one; however, Christmas Eve I came down with a urinary tract infection, had fractured a bone in my leg, had no one to take me to the ER, and this was my only option. It worked well, I was given a prescription, and was on my way. Of course, the pharmacy wasn’t open on Christmas, so I had to wait until the day after to have a friend pick it up for me. In these circumstances, I’d do it again.
i do not like it at all. my hearing is not good so it is very difficult to understand what the doctor says. I WOULD PREFER TO NEVER HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN!
I fractured my knee cap while on vacation in Maui last Christmas.
After going to get X-rays. I was able to be treated and given a prescription for a brace and medicine I needed virtually. I was so grateful, it kept me from much pain.
We live out in the country and we have had three virtual visits. We appreciated not having to drive 35 miles to get our test results, consultation and talk therapy. So it definitely has a purpose. If I know I need a hands on visit then I would definitely drive the 35 miles. Virtual visits can’t take the place of in person visits, but they have a place in healthcare.
I’m damn sure not paying a doctor for a phone call.
I believe it is good for minor issues and discussing tests results. Dont feel it is appropriate for bigger or more complicated needs that dont require an ER visit.
In today’s messed up World this is par for the course. One big issue is that believe it or not, not everyone has computers or phones that will allow face time with doctors’. Looks like weeding out of elders is in progress. Everything is now done with computers or wi-fi. Even the “Covid shot” appointments must be made online. I always assisted an elder to her appointments and she is very dramatic with symptoms. The doctor makes assumptions on her health when she is putting on an act, panting, etc. After the appointment she is perfectly fine. (At least I can talk to the doctor if we are there) On the phone (mine) appointment, the doctor had her go to the ER. She had better numbers ( BP, oxygen, temp, than I did. It’s a good way for associate doctor’s and hospitals to keep the money flowing.
I work with industrial controls and can sometimes fix things over the phone. Other times, it is almost impossible to get accurate and coherent information from the customer. If you use a teledoc and don’t accurately describe your symptoms, you will almost certainly get a bad diagnosis.
I have used telemedicine 3 times and all 3 times they sent me to the ER. I thought telemedicine was too keep you out of the ER. All 3 times I had minor symptoms but the providers ended up escalating it to the point where I could worsen and die. Any symptom can worsen and you could die. So i will not use telemedicine again. Waste of time and money.
Hasn’t telemedicine been practiced in the Australian Outback and Alaska for years?
I have participated in telemedicine with my internist twice. Both were good experiences. I was able to discuss medications, answer and ask questions and did not feel rushed.
I am not a fan of telemedicine. I just cannot communicate effectively with my Dr. over the phone nor do I feel she can communicate effectively with me. I might use it under certain circumstances in an attempt to avoid a trip to the emergency room but otherwise I am more comfortable in a face-to-face situation.
My wife and I were talking this morning before I saw this about how sorry we are for seniors trying to register for a Covid vaccine. If you call and are hard of hearing or try to register on line and aren’t computer savvy better hope you have someone who will do it for you. Try having a doctor visit is just as bad by phone.
My Doctor has not touched me in years. He comes in with his laptop, shows me a picture of what I’m talking about and asks, “Is this what it looks like?” Since I’m healthy I put up with this. You better start liking telemedicine because as with so many other negative consequences of The Virus, it will be the bew normal.
The big issue is any minor office tests that can be done for a diagnosis. Can’t do that stuff in a televisit. It’s okay for very minor consultations but little else.
This may work for some stuff but doctors may find other problems when they have visual on the whole you. Plus some can actually do better when you are sitting across the table from them. Plus its impossible to do lab work with this system.
We use the computer to have face-to-face video conferences with several of our doctors. This includes me, my wife, and my sister-in-law. We are all well over 70. We have purchased a blood pressure machine, so we weigh, take temperature, blood pressure, and I take my blood sugar, before a telemed. Then with sit down, go over the prelims with the nurse. Then we have a face-to-face with the doctor.
For me, it is much easier than going out and traveling to a doctor, since I am also a cancer patient and very weak. There are some visits that I have to make in-person that leave me exhausted.
I believe for many visits, telemed will be the future of medicine. It will reduce costs, travel time for patients, and be more convenient. Like all changes, some will be uncomfortable with it, at first. But we all will adjust. Younger people and those of us that are more tech savy will adjust easier.
I am over 60 and have used telemedicine several times. Keep in mind, it can only be used for certain conditions. My first experience was when I had the flu. Feeling awful and had no interest in going to see the doctor. So nice to do this from my couch. Our insurance has a contract with Cleveland Clinic and the total cis $45.
Doc hates it – end of story.
You’re kidding me, right? At best, it is a stop-gap for long term patients, updating prescriptions and reporting events.
Otherwise it is either lazy or sketchy, and not good medical practice. There is no substitute for face to face, hands on, with your doctor.
I hesitate to call this medicine. It sounds like something that would be approved under Obamination non-Care, especially for the non-productive elderly.
Many of my Dr. visits are just routine, such as getting a Rx refill. If I go into the office, the only difference is they check my weight, height, and BP. I do that at home before the Telmed visit so it works just fine. I LOVE it. So much easier and less intrusive. If I have a real problem, I would of course go in for an in person visit.
I have a bladder infection and just need an antibiotic. I don’t need to see a doctor and risk getting Covid19 by going in. I’m in a very high risk group and prefer to stay as far away from all germs as possible. We did TeleMed, and the doctor let us pick up a clean-catch kit and bring it back to the lab. No contact visit. Picked up the antibiotics at the pharmacy window. It was great! I would do it again, even if there wasn’t a pandemic.
dont have the software or know how. one dr did a phone appt. insurance wouldn’t pay so i refuse to do any of this crap. i have told my drs either make me a real appt or slide dates until they can.
They still charge FULL PRICE, but only give you a virtual visit. How is that not fraud?
Assuming you’re relatively healthy, this is probably okay for short-term medical intervention. It is not, however, in my opinion, 100% reliable and responsible health care.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve had the distinct impression that physicians are welcoming socialized medicine, which I find completely baffling. We already know that (most) nurses, like teachers, have gone over to the Communists.
Can anyone explain to me why, after 8+ years of rigorous (hopefully) training, and hundreds of thousands of dollars, a physician would welcome government control of their income, their medical practice (dictating who will receive care, and what kind of care can be dispensed), and violation of their patients’ privacy?
When contacted to ask if I’d be interested in doing a televisit over my scheduled visit a few hours later, I thought: ‘sure…save me from having to get dressed & drive a couple miles to his office..plus…I’m sure it would be cheaper, so I figured I’d give it a try…” To my dismay..after a total of about 7 minutes..keeping in mind about half that time was spent on technical issues (we could see each other but no audio!) Once that was resolved I was told my labs were good and that ended our visit! I’m thinking I just did my part in reducing a medical bill…Wrong. I was charged for a Level Four office visit totally over $200! I was stunned! But…
That’s not the end of this saga. Roughly TWO MONTHS lately, I received a call for a Follow-up visit. I explained I only see my PCP twice a year & was told ‘Oh after a telemedicine conference call, the doctor likes to see his patients THREE MONTHS LATER! ”
I am still in shock of what I consider is abuse /dare I say:”fraud”….but due to being a past long term employee of our small community hospital – all I feel comfortable doing is decline if ever asked again!
I could see telehealth visits for med refills or routine followup. In my opinion, it is much more qualitative to be examined, looked at, yes and even smelled. A personal picture is worth ten thousand words. I also see telehealth as a ripe potential to have your HIPPA privacy rights violated.
Since I live in Alaska, where distances and weather can make traveling logistics time consuming and expensive, sometimes involving driving to an airport, taking a plane and or/a boat or even all three to go see a doctor, I’m all in for telemedicine. A combination of both telemedicine and actual in-person visits is absolutely the way to go. I include this as one of the positive spin-offs of Covid or the CCP Virus or whatever one wants to call it. Gimme that time saving grocery shopping service, telemedicine and the spin-off of getting more of our kids out of socialist-brainwashing public schools, and one can see the silver lining in what was a bad situation.
I have one prescription, an estradiol patch. For a refill, it is fine but my husband has something more serious going on and it is a waste of time to do telemed.
I go to the VA and was involved with their telemedicine program. I am diabetic and have high blood pressure. I took my blood pressure daily with a machine they gave me that communicated with them over a cell network. It also downloaded the readings for blood sugar and transmitted it to them daily. I thought that program worked very well.