Primary Care Providers, Specialists And Telehealth

By Karen Hill


When an individual talks about health care, it is most often about the high cost of health care or health insurance. In addition, there are often conversations related to clinic visits or hospitalization. While this is the case, there is now a new option when it comes to acquiring care, that of Telehealth, a service that uses different digital technologies and telecommunication devices.

Individuals can now stay in touch with health care providers while also acquiring advice, intervention and education all while being monitored on a remote basis. In addition, individuals can now be admitted to rehabilitation facilities and hospitals from the comfort of home. Whereas, providers can now supervise care, give presentations, attend distance learning courses and programs, access and share medical records and attend meetings from remote locations.

Some other ways in which the service can be used include performing a robotic surgery through remote access, discussing a case over video conference and providing physical therapy by way of digital monitoring instruments. In addition, providers can also use the service for data sharing of x-rays, MRIs or CT scans with higher level specialists for on the spot interpretations and for telephone and videophone consultations.

A number of medical advances have been made in the last few decades with many more coming in the future. For, as the population grows and people age, the needs for medical care will only continue to increase over time. In many cases, primary health care providers are being asked to go above and beyond normal duties, at least according to various job descriptions.

While a shortage already exists when it comes to primary care providers in the United States, there are also shortages in a number of specialties. One of the most hard hit when it comes to a shortage of providers is that of speech pathologists and therapists. Whereas, in rural areas, clinics are having a hard time staffing administrators, physicians, physician assistants and nurses due to a lack of mobility in the elderly and limited transportation options for employees and individuals in need of care.

While telemedicine may be similar in scope, the Health Resources And Services Administration distinguishes the difference. For, according to the administration, telemedicine only describes remote clinical services such as monitoring and diagnosis while services provided by telecommunication devices include curative, promotional and preventive care. In most cases, this includes non-clinical applications such as provider education and administrative tasks which make services obtained through telecommunication services more preferable in the long run.

The development of both of these applications is rooted in the history and development of society and technology. For, people have long been relaying messages through a number of remote methods. Some of the earliest messages were delivered by torch carriers while others have included carrier pigeons, mail, notes, telephones, telegrams, telegraphs, telegraphy, optical telegraphy and electroscopes.

Now in the 21st century, even car phones and satellite phones have been outdated by smart phones, notepads and laptop computers, all of which are being used as telecommunication devices. In addition, YouTube and other video sites are now an integral aspect of online education. In fact, a number of programs are now being offered online, including many associated with those interested in working in the medical profession.




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