From regular health monitoring to the emerging need for a doctor's consultation, telemedicine is breaking down health barriers around the world.

Telemedicine expanding the scope of healthcare can improve outcomes for patients and significantly reduce costs for both parties. At the same time, it alleviates the uneven pressure on the health system. But for some clinicians, telemedicine is still shrouded in mystery - often because they are unsure how to begin.

Many still think of online medical decisions as limited to written chat or based on noting pre-set symptoms. Modern telemedicine tools allow audio-video consultation in a virtual office in real time, data exchange, including imaging, visualization of data from diagnostic medical devices and others. Other providers worry that adding an online technology solution will be too complicated or time consuming - but modern solutions are so easy to navigate that clinicians and patients can immediately connect and focus on treatment.

We offer you 8 steps to start and achieve success with telemedicine

1. Know your options.

Although an online audio-video consultation can help solve a number of problems quickly and effectively, it is not necessary to diagnose patients based solely on reported symptoms. The ability to reliably transmit medical information such as laboratory results, X-rays, video or MRI evaluation helps to provide an evidence-based opinion. Integrated diagnostic medical devices also provide valuable information. You can monitor chronically ill patients at home by remotely collecting data such as blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, weight or oxygen levels.

2. Develop a strategy.

Before diving into telemedicine, it is important to clarify your goals and have realistic expectations. Will you compensate for the shortage of infectious disease specialists, for example? Do you have patients who have difficulty moving to your office? Do you want to reduce the crowded waiting rooms in front of the cabinet and have time for the cases that need your intervention? Do you want to provide health care for everyone in the country so that people from remote places have equal access to you?

3. Learn about payment methods

You have the opportunity to choose prices for different types of online consultations, for example. All forms of telemedicine have different policies. Find out if there is a possibility to cover the consultations from insurance companies and what range of services they reimburse. And keep in mind that in addition to direct income, the use of telemedicine can increase the confidence of patients who have traveled unnecessarily on both sides and even lead to cost savings.

4. Seek technical advice

Find out how your telemedicine program will interact with other existing software and communication networks you use. The companies offer integration with most of the specialized software used. Discuss where and how the data will be stored. Clarify the possible need to replace a camera or microphone and everything that worries you in a free technical consultation with the provider of the telemedicine solution.

5. Evaluate the telemedicine solutions

The telemedicine solution needs to meet your expectations and needs. Evaluate it by answering a few questions: How flexible is it and is an end-to-end solution offered, or is it mostly written asynchronous communication? Does it also offer additional evidence-based consultation options in addition to godfather audio-video calls in real time? Will I have to engage a third party to provide this telemedicine solution? How far can the solution grow and develop in parallel with your needs?

6. Make a test

Many places offer a trial period, which we recommend you take advantage of. Practical sessions can test the functionality of different clinical situations and help staff feel comfortable using the solution. Also, be sure to polish your "look" by wearing solid, neutral colors, learning how to make eye contact with the patient during a video visit, and learning best practices for virtual communication.

7. Explain to your patients

Many patients are not even aware that telemedicine exists, so tell them about your program during appointments and through emails and leaflets. For older people or patients with disabilities, also communicate with their carers - and assure all patients that their data will be safe. Some municipalities also support their populations by providing them with technical access and privacy for health counseling.

8. Don't stop informing yourself

Telecommunications devices and software continue to thrive. Clinicians are always finding new ways to use remote care. Keep in touch with the industry and your supplier. You follow blogs of suppliers and specialized publications, organizations and others.

Be bold

Without a barrier to start and with minimal requirements, telemedicine offers every time to efficient use of resources in one with quality care. Apply new and modern approaches, ease the schedule and protect your health.

We are here to answer your questions and help you find the right telemedicine solution for your practice. Call (+359) 887 887 959 или се свържете с нас онлайн.