John Wadsworth’s Post

Telemedicine Isn’t as Awesome as You Think—Here’s Why Telemedicine sounds great on paper, but let’s be real—it’s not living up to the hype. As someone passionate about making healthcare easier for people to understand, I’ve seen why telemedicine alone isn’t cutting it. Where’s the Follow-up?  Too many telemedicine programs are “one-and-done.” You get your virtual visit but after that? Nothing. There’s no follow-up, support for filling prescriptions, scheduling with specialists, or completing diagnostic tests. You’re left on your own for the rest of the journey.   And that’s a problem. Virtual health patients are over 50% less likely to get recommended follow-up care than in-person visits. This gap leads to missed diagnoses, poor health outcomes, and lost trust. On top of that, it drives up costs for health plans because people aren’t getting the right care at the right time.   Imagine if telemedicine wasn’t just a quick visit. What if it were part of a seamless, ongoing healthcare journey—where follow-ups, referrals, and prescriptions were all handled smoothly? That’s when telemedicine delivers results: healthier patients, happier employees, and serious cost savings.   The Invisible Benefit  Telemedicine is like a gym membership—it’s only valuable if you use it. Too many people don’t even know they have access to it, let alone how to use it. This leads to wasted opportunities and money.   I’ve seen companies invest in telemedicine without focusing on engagement, and this is a missed opportunity. It’s like hanging a masterpiece in the closet—what’s the point? You need to ensure employees know they have access to these tools and understand how to use them.   That’s where telemedicine's potential lies, but we’re not there yet. We’re leaving a ton of value on the table.   Time to Step Up  Telemedicine could break down the biggest barriers to healthcare—geography, cost, and convenience. But we still treat it like a side dish instead of a main course. To move the needle, we’ve got to stop thinking of telemedicine as a “nice-to-have” and start integrating it into a connected healthcare experience.   How Medefy Fits In  That’s where Medefy comes in. We don’t just handle telemedicine—we centralize all healthcare benefits into one platform. It’s like having a personal care guide for every healthcare decision. Whether guiding members to in-network providers, helping them schedule follow-ups, or making sure they use telemedicine when it makes sense, Medefy wraps the entire healthcare journey into one seamless experience.   At Medefy, we’ve helped many companies increase telemedicine usage and engagement with their entire benefits package. By making it easy for employees to navigate their care and use every tool available, we’ve saved companies thousands in healthcare costs.   Telemedicine can’t stand alone. But when it’s part of a bigger solution like Medefy, you see real change: healthier people, smarter healthcare decisions, and fewer dollars wasted.

✨Is Telemedicine the Key to Better Patient Outcomes?✨ Let’s discuss the pros and cons. I believe telemedicine is a game-changer for healthcare. By using digital technology, telemedicine connects patients and doctors quickly and efficiently. Here’s how it’s making a difference: 👩⚕️Better Access to Care Telemedicine helps people in remote areas get the medical care they need. This is crucial for those who can't easily travel to see a doctor. 👨🦼More Engaged Patients With virtual consultations, patients can talk to their doctors from home. This convenience makes people more likely to stick to their treatment plans and manage their health better. 💰Lower Costs Telemedicine cuts down on travel and time off work for patients. For doctors, it means lower costs and the ability to help more people. 🦠Better Chronic Disease Management For those with chronic conditions, regular virtual check-ins and remote monitoring tools are essential. They help prevent complications and keep patients out of the hospital. 🚑 Quick Help in Emergencies In urgent situations, telemedicine provides fast assessments and guidance, which can save lives until emergency services arrive. 🏥 Smarter Health Insights Telemedicine platforms collect health data that can be analyzed to track trends, predict outbreaks, and personalize treatment plans. Embracing telemedicine is not just an option but a necessity. By adopting this strategy, we can make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-focused. Let’s talk about CONS now, Telemedicine despite its benefits, has several drawbacks: 🌟it limits physical examinations, poses technical issues, and raises privacy and security concerns. 🌟The lack of face-to-face interaction can affect doctor-patient relationships, and regulatory differences complicate cross-state practice. 🌟Insurance coverage and reimbursement challenges persist, and limited diagnostic capabilities can lead to misdiagnosis. 🌟Additionally, digital literacy varies among users, and telemedicine is inadequate for emergency care.

The Future Vision for Telemedicine in Japan Looking ahead, the future vision for telemedicine in Japan is one where telemedicine is fully integrated into the healthcare system, providing high-quality, accessible, and equitable care to all patients, particularly the elderly. Telemedicine will be a key tool in managing the healthcare challenges associated with an aging population, helping to ensure that Japan’s healthcare system remains sustainable and resilient. Future Vision: Telemedicine as a Standard of Care: In the future, telemedicine will likely become a standard part of healthcare delivery, with telemedicine services being offered alongside traditional in-person care. Patients will have the option to choose the type of care that best suits their needs, whether it be telemedicine or face-to-face consultations. A Patient-Centered Approach: The future of telemedicine in Japan will be characterized by a patient-centered approach, where the needs, preferences, and values of patients are at the forefront of care. Telemedicine will enable more personalized, proactive, and preventative care, empowering patients to take an active role in managing their health. A Collaborative and Integrated System: The integration of telemedicine into Japan’s healthcare system will require collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, technology developers, and patients. By working together, these stakeholders can create a telemedicine system that is innovative, effective, and responsive to the needs of the population.

In a groundbreaking move set to transform healthcare in Thailand, Dietz.asia is gearing up to launch its telemedicine services, poised to revolutionize follow-up care for patients at the esteemed Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast in Khonkhen. Scheduled for deployment in the second to third quarters of 2024, this innovative platform promises a host of benefits for both patients and healthcare providers alike. Telemedicine, the provision of healthcare services remotely through telecommunication technology, holds immense potential in enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care, particularly for patients requiring regular follow-ups, such as those with cardiac conditions. Here are some key advantages of Dietz.asia's telemedicine for patients at the Queen Sirikit Heart Center: Convenience: With telemedicine, patients can access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for frequent and often arduous trips to the hospital. This convenience is especially crucial for cardiac patients, many of whom may face mobility issues or transportation challenges. Continuous Monitoring: Through the Dietz.asia platform, patients can seamlessly transmit vital health data, such as blood pressure readings, heart rate, and medication adherence, to their healthcare providers in real-time. This enables continuous monitoring of their condition, allowing for early intervention and timely adjustments to treatment plans when necessary. Reduced Wait Times: By facilitating remote consultations, Dietz.asia helps alleviate the burden on healthcare facilities, reducing overcrowding in clinics and minimizing wait times for patients. This ensures that patients receive prompt attention from their healthcare providers, without the delays often associated with in-person visits. Improved Access to Specialist Care: Telemedicine transcends geographical barriers, enabling patients at Queen Sirikit Heart Center to consult with specialist physicians and cardiologists remotely, regardless of their location. This expanded access to expertise ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care, even in regions where specialized medical services may be limited. Enhanced Patient Engagement: Through Dietz.asia's user-friendly interface, patients are empowered to take an active role in managing their health. From scheduling appointments to accessing educational resources and receiving personalized health recommendations, the platform fosters greater engagement and accountability among patients, leading to improved health outcomes. Cost Savings: Telemedicine has the potential to significantly reduce healthcare costs for both patients and providers. By minimizing the need for in-person visits and hospitalizations, Dietz.asia helps lower transportation expenses for patients and optimizes resource utilization for healthcare institutions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective healthcare system.

Do you find it harder to build strong patient relationships in telemedicine? It can feel tricky at first, but building trust with patients virtually is not only possible—it’s essential! Over the years, I’ve found a few strategies that work wonders in creating meaningful connections with patients during virtual visits. Here’s what I focus on: Clear communication: Some patients have never had a telemedicine visit, so it’s important to walk them through the process and set expectations upfront. 👉 Creating a safe space: Just like in-person visits, I always make sure to let the patient know they’re in a safe place and can relax, knowing they’re still receiving quality care, even virtually. 👉 Personalization: One of the most important aspects of telemedicine is ensuring that care is truly personalized for each patient. I take the time to ask about their preferences, lifestyle, and concerns to better understand their unique needs. Whether it's asking how their job or daily activities may impact their health or digging deeper into personal struggles that could be contributing to their medical condition, this extra level of attention helps me tailor my care specifically to them. 👉 Reviewing patient notes: I take notes on their profession, personal struggles, or anything that may impact their condition. Before each visit, I review these notes and mention them, so patients know I remember them. 👉 Eye contact and listening: During visits, I make sure to look at the camera, so patients feel I’m engaged, and actively listen to what they’re telling me. 👉 Telemedicine limitations: I always explain the limitations of telemedicine and when it’s important to seek in-person care, so patients understand where telehealth can and cannot meet their needs. 👉 Contact between visits: I make sure patients know how to reach me between visits in case they have questions or concerns, ensuring they feel supported throughout their care journey. In telemedicine, these small but impactful touches create the trust and rapport we all strive for with our patients. What strategies do you use to build trust with your telemedicine patients? I’d love to hear your tips!

In a groundbreaking move set to transform healthcare in Thailand, Dietz.asia is gearing up to launch its telemedicine services, poised to revolutionize follow-up care for patients at the esteemed Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast in Khonkhen. Scheduled for deployment in the second to third quarters of 2024, this innovative platform promises a host of benefits for both patients and healthcare providers alike. Telemedicine, the provision of healthcare services remotely through telecommunication technology, holds immense potential in enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care, particularly for patients requiring regular follow-ups, such as those with cardiac conditions. Here are some key advantages of Dietz.asia's telemedicine for patients at the Queen Sirikit Heart Center: Convenience: With telemedicine, patients can access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for frequent and often arduous trips to the hospital. This convenience is especially crucial for cardiac patients, many of whom may face mobility issues or transportation challenges. Continuous Monitoring: Through the Dietz.asia platform, patients can seamlessly transmit vital health data, such as blood pressure readings, heart rate, and medication adherence, to their healthcare providers in real-time. This enables continuous monitoring of their condition, allowing for early intervention and timely adjustments to treatment plans when necessary. Reduced Wait Times: By facilitating remote consultations, Dietz.asia helps alleviate the burden on healthcare facilities, reducing overcrowding in clinics and minimizing wait times for patients. This ensures that patients receive prompt attention from their healthcare providers, without the delays often associated with in-person visits. Improved Access to Specialist Care: Telemedicine transcends geographical barriers, enabling patients at Queen Sirikit Heart Center to consult with specialist physicians and cardiologists remotely, regardless of their location. This expanded access to expertise ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care, even in regions where specialized medical services may be limited. Enhanced Patient Engagement: Through Dietz.asia's user-friendly interface, patients are empowered to take an active role in managing their health. From scheduling appointments to accessing educational resources and receiving personalized health recommendations, the platform fosters greater engagement and accountability among patients, leading to improved health outcomes. Cost Savings: Telemedicine has the potential to significantly reduce healthcare costs for both patients and providers. By minimizing the need for in-person visits and hospitalizations, Dietz.asia helps lower transportation expenses for patients and optimizes resource utilization for healthcare institutions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective healthcare system.

5 Common Misconceptions About Working in Telemedicine: 1. Telemedicine is just a COVID fad and won’t last long,- Telemedicine has seen continued exponential growth since the beginning of the pandemic and offers numerous benefits, making telemedicine a desirable long-term healthcare option for companies, providers and patients. According to a study done by Jones Lang Salle in 2022, 76% of the patients who have received virtual care in the past want to continue using it moving forward. Millennials and Gen Z often have the highest levels of dissatisfaction with traditional healthcare systems. And since they’re considered digital natives, they’re more likely to want to receive their healthcare virtually. 2. Telemedicine is just for urgent care and is limited in scope- Urgent care is often the first method of care health systems adopt when they enter telemedicine. However, it is not limited to this. If you’re interested in telemedicine, there are many types of care you can provide beyond urgent. Some of these include, but are not limited to: Chronic conditions Primary care Women’s health Mental health Skin conditions Weight management Sexual and reproductive health Prescription management Dentistry Recurring conditions like migraines or UTIs 3. Telemedicine is not secure- Another misconception and concern surrounding both working in and receiving virtual care is security, especially when it comes to patient documentation and data. However, unless you are planning on freely transferring documents via instant message or hosting visits on Facebook Live, you don’t have to stress about finding a secure platform. If you're interested in practicing telemedicine, you can find many reliable technology vendors that offer highly secure, HIPAA compliant platforms and applications. 4. Telemedicine isn’t cost effective- Telemedicine is extremely cost and time efficient. Telemedicine allows you to see multiple patients back to back without having to leave your house. By filling your day with virtual visits and effectively using your time, there is a high chance you could significantly increase your annual income. Or maybe you practice telemedicine part-time to supplement your current income. 5. Physicians can’t prescribe medications via telemedicine- Yes, telehealth doctors can prescribe medications and just like regular doctors, the proper licensing is required. For example, to prescribe controlled substances you need a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) License. However, each state has specific laws and requirements regarding which medications can be prescribed virtually without an in-person consultation or prior patient-provider relationship. So it is always good to keep up to date on current laws and regulations within the states you practice. #healthcare #medicine #medicaldevices #mindfulness

A niche service before the pandemic, telemedicine experienced a dramatic demand surge in 2020, followed by settling to a new, much higher, baseline as life returned to normal. Since the peak of telemedicine venture funding in 2022, there has been a consistent stream of negative stories about telemedicine companies, shutdowns like Optum Virtual Care and Babylon, layoffs at companies like Workit and Calibrate, and Teladoc and Amwell stocks down over 90%. The health of telemedicine in 2024 is complex and seemingly contradictory. Key Highlights: • Telemedicine is thriving within mental health, employing over half of telemedicine clinicians. One could think of telemedicine as split between mental health and everything else. • Other telemedicine verticals are still recovering from hyped expectations and over-funding. Metabolic health and physical therapy have shown consistent growth. • Demand for remote clinical jobs far outstrips supply. This is a golden opportunity for organizations able to create remote clinical jobs. • While the pandemic supercharged telemedicine adoption, telemedicine companies are still a small niche (3-4% of medical clinician jobs). https://lnkd.in/gJ8zgPUv

The Role of Telemedicine in Modern Healthcare Telemedicine has evolved from a niche service to a crucial component of modern healthcare, driven by technological advancements and the need for accessible care. Understanding its growth and benefits is vital for healthcare companies aiming to stay competitive. Growth Post-Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telemedicine adoption, turning a temporary solution into a permanent shift in healthcare delivery. Patients now expect the convenience of online consultations, and providers recognize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness telemedicine offers. Key Benefits for Healthcare Providers: 1. Increased Access: Telemedicine breaks geographical barriers, enabling patients in remote areas to access specialist care without the need for travel. 2. Enhanced Engagement: Easy scheduling and online consultations improve patient adherence and outcomes, strengthening patient-provider relationships. 3. Cost Efficiency: Reducing overhead costs associated with in-person visits makes telemedicine particularly beneficial for providers in high-cost regions like the US and UAE. 4. Chronic Disease Management: Continuous monitoring through telemedicine leads to better management of chronic conditions, reducing hospital admissions. 5. Patient Satisfaction: The convenience and personalized care of telemedicine lead to higher patient satisfaction, essential for retaining patients in competitive markets. As demand for accessible, efficient, and patient-centered care grows, telemedicine is set to play an even more significant role in healthcare. By embracing telemedicine, healthcare providers can better serve their patients and stay ahead in the evolving digital healthcare landscape.

The Telemedicine Revolution: Transforming Healthcare Delivery Telemedicine, the practice of delivering medical care remotely via technology, is revolutionizing healthcare. From video consultations and remote monitoring to mobile health apps, telemedicine is enhancing patient care in numerous ways. Key Benefits of Telemedicine 1. Accessibility: Telemedicine breaks geographical barriers, providing access to care for remote or underserved areas. 2. Convenience: Patients can consult doctors from home, reducing travel and wait times. 3. Cost Savings: Telemedicine lowers healthcare costs by minimizing hospital visits and admissions. 4. Continuous Care: Ongoing monitoring and follow-ups ensure consistent care, crucial for chronic conditions. 5. Infection Control: Telemedicine reduces the risk of disease transmission during outbreaks. Challenges Ahead Despite its benefits, telemedicine faces challenges such as technology access, regulatory inconsistencies, data privacy concerns, and clinical limitations. Addressing these issues is vital for the widespread adoption and success of telemedicine. Join Us at Health Summit 2024 Discover the latest in telemedicine and healthcare innovation at Health Summit 2024, hosted by Reboot Communications. Learn from leading experts and explore advancements in AI, genomics, and longevity. Why Attend: - Stay Informed: Get insights into the future of telemedicine. - Network: Connect with healthcare professionals and innovators. - Innovate: Discover new approaches to enhancing patient care. Don't miss out on shaping the future of healthcare. Register now: [Health Summit 2024](https://lnkd.in/gX_9zRkX).