Don't want to go to the hospital to see a doctor? Let's learn about telemedicine!

Don't you think it's a hassle to go to the hospital to see a doctor for a cold or a headache? You have to wait in line, it takes time, and it costs money. So, would you believe me if I told you that there was a solution to all this, a way to talk to your doctor from home? Yes, that's what we call telemedicine.

So what is this telemedicine?

Simply put, telemedicine is a way for you and your doctor to receive health advice and treatment using technology, without having to be in the same place, that is, in the same room. This can happen in a variety of ways.

• Phone or Video Calls: You can talk to your doctor directly, just like you would talk to a friend on the phone. A video call is even more convenient because the doctor can see you.
• Email or other secure methods: Sometimes you can send your questions to the doctor via email or a special app and get answers.
• Remote Monitoring: Imagine you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Today, there are special devices that can measure your blood sugar levels or blood pressure from home and automatically send those values ​​to your doctor.

Some people call it telehealth or digital medicine. Either way, it's all the same thing.

What services can we receive through telemedicine?

Telemedicine is often very useful, especially if you live in a remote area where it's hard to find a doctor, or if you have difficulty getting to the hospital regularly. It's also very valuable for someone with a chronic condition.

What are the advantages of telemedicine?

Telemedicine has become very popular all over the world because of its advantages.

• Convenience and time savings: No need to travel. No need to take time off from work. If you have small children, you don't have to look for someone to take care of them.
• Safety: There is less chance of contracting infectious diseases from other patients while in the hospital waiting room.
• Faster service: Sometimes you can schedule a telemedicine appointment a day faster than it would be to meet with a doctor in person.
• Specialist medical services: This method helps you get advice from a specialist doctor, even if he is not in your area or is far away.

Will our privacy be protected when using this?

Yes. The same rules about keeping your information confidential that apply when you see a doctor in person apply to telemedicine. Doctors usually use a specially protected system (secure portal) for this.

But, you also need to be concerned about safety.

• Choose a quiet place where you can be alone during your appointment. A separate room at home or inside a parked car is a good place.
• Don't use public Wi-Fi, that is, free Wi-Fi in shops and bus stands, for things like this.
• Install good anti-virus software on your phone and computer.
• Before giving out your personal information, look for a lock icon in the website's address bar. This indicates that the website is secure.
• If someone you don't know calls you a doctor, don't immediately give them any information. Ask your family doctor to confirm who that person is.

How do you prepare for a telemedicine appointment?

Just like going to see a doctor, this also requires a little preparation.

1. Read the instructions: You will be sent instructions via email or SMS before your appointment. Please read them carefully.

2. Check the technology: If it's a video call, check ahead of time to make sure your camera and microphone are working, and that your internet connection is good.

3. Write down the details: Write down on a piece of paper what your symptoms are, when they started, and what medications you are currently taking. This way, you won't forget anything when you talk to your doctor.

4. Prepare questions: Write down the questions you want to ask the doctor in advance.

A few tips for a good video call

• Stand in a well -lit place where your face can be clearly seen.
• Reduce the noise level around you. Turn off the TV and radio.
• If you are talking on a computer, close other unnecessary applications . This will speed up the connection.

Is telemedicine effective for every illness?

No. Although telemedicine is a very useful thing, it cannot do everything.

For example, if you have a sore throat, you may need to take a throat culture to determine if it is a bacterial infection. If you have an ear infection, your doctor may need toIt may be necessary to look inside the ear with a special device. Also, something like surgery cannot be done online.

However, telemedicine can be used for follow-up after surgery to see how the wound is healing. Your doctor is the best person to decide whether telemedicine is appropriate for your condition. Therefore, ask him or her first and seek advice.