As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and our realities shift, it can be hard not to be overwhelmed. I reminded myself that some good has come out of this too. Climate, relationships, even work/life balance can all be positive shifts. For me, I’m grateful for the change toward telemedicine.
I want you to be too because my increasing practice through video technology means you have absolutely no excuses for not getting started on a path to better health today.
I know, it’s tough to be grateful about anything related to this pandemic. But that’s the challenge. To take something that threatens to overwhelm and rise above it, through a combination of gratitude and action.
I never really wanted to treat patients online. The doctor-patient relationship is central to my work and I worried that it would be compromised through video. This remains a concern.
But my shift to telemedicine has helped maintain this connection and even help strengthen it these past few months. Patients have never had it more convenient to meet with me. At a time when building our health is among the most important priorities of all, we can connect easily without fear from the comfort of your living room.
In fact, healthcare in general has so benefited from this transition that political leaders are crafting permanent legislation to ensure it remains a viable option for patient care moving forward.
The basics of telemedicine?
Change is always hard, and for both me and my patients, this represents real change. But let’s remove the concerns with some basic facts.
- Telemedicine is no different than a zoom call: We connect exactly like you’ve been doing with friends for “virtual happy hours” or family that you can’t see like you once did. People are doing church online in this way these days. The “office” visit is very similar to a real one, only we’re using video so we can connect “face-to-face.”
- Telemedicine does not compromise your care: We still take the time to connect, we still discuss treatments and we still monitor your health. The care you receive is every bit as effective as an in-office visit (for some ailments, see the next point below):
- Telemedicine cannot take the place of every office visit: My ability to treat patients does at times require an office visit. Especially for podiatry, we need to meet in person for certain types of illness and/or at certain times of the treatment process. That’s why my office remains open.
- Telemedicine is confidential and protected: Every right of privacy and security that my patients enjoy in my office are extended to telemedicine consultations. Your time with me is safe and secure.
I had my worries about conducting so much of my practice online. But now that we’re getting better at it, I think back and yes, that gratitude returns. I imagine if I couldn’t have seen any patients. I think of how many have progressed and healed and now even more empowered despite the pandemic. I think of how the power of technology has made me an even better healer.
Let’s connect. I can’t wait to help you get better from whatever ails you.
