THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has caught players in the medical field by surprise. Many neurologists, have seen variously suspected and COVID-19 patients complain of new or escalating headaches. Luckily, telemedicine has received a boost from private insurers, federal and state laws that enable neurologists to handle patients using telemedicine. Before the emergence of coronavirus, neurologists could only use telemedicine to treat people who had a stroke or live in rural areas. Before the emergence of the virus, many neurologists were reluctant to adopt telemedicine in my practice since they thought it would not have a better experience than an in-person encounter with a patient. Many neurologists are now convinced that this is the future of modern medicine.
Here’s why: Patients who live in far-flung areas with few specialists can now access quality care. Most patients who suffer from chronic migraines and prefer telemedicine than having to walk into the clinic. Research has shown that telemedicine is as useful as in-person visits and is cost-effective.
Some medical institutions and practices might experience a challenge due to cost limitations and electronic records not being integrated. Multistate providers may also suffer from a lack of standard policies among states.
Due to the rising cases of infections and fatalities from the disease, it is critical to enact telemedicine laws. This will enable patients who have exhausted their sick days to receive medical care without missing work.
Today, many essential workers, including nurses, teachers, and police officers, have to be at home to care for their children. African Americans, Hispanics, and others with low socioeconomic statuses, already suffering from persistent health inequalities, may be disproportionately burdened by lost work time due to coronavirus.
It is estimated that virtual health care services will hit 1 billion by the end of 2020. Significant investment in time and resources are being made in harnessing the power of telemedicine in clinical services. The management of chronic diseases and future pandemics will be revolutionized by legislation that supports the use of telemedicine into the future, including the Helping Ensure Access to Local TeleHealth Act of 2020.