Why Telemedicine Is a Game-Changer for Senior Healthcare

If you have a loved one who is in their senior years, or if you’re an older adult yourself, you definitely stand to benefit from the growing availability of telemedicine. More and more, healthcare providers are offering this option to their patients, and most insurers cover at least some form of telemedicine service. In 42 states and the District of Columbia, the law requires private insurance providers to reimburse for telemedicine.

Basically, telemedicine covers any type of healthcare that’s delivered using technology. It could be a video chat or just an appointment over the telephone. Telemedicine allows patients to access health services from their home-or anywhere else, provided they have the appropriate device and an internet or phone connection.

While this novel method of meeting with one’s physician may take a little getting used to, for a senior who isn’t very tech savvy, it’s certainly worth the effort. Here’s why this new approach to medicine works particularly well for people in their senior years.

Manages mobility challenges

As people age, they’re more apt to encounter health issues. This may involve reduced strength, illnesses, physical disabilities, and chronic conditions that make them less mobile. Granted, various assistive devices can help, as well as services like paratransit and accessible parking when patients need to travel to a physician’s office.

However, the trouble and energy this takes can be avoided through the use of telemedicine. Essentially, older patients’ quality of life is greatly improved when they can meet with their doctors virtually and do not have to worry about the logistics of getting to and from a healthcare center.

Takes less time

Typically, a telehealth appointment takes no longer than an in-person appointment. That said, the difference is dramatically shorter when you factor in the travel time and waiting in an office where your appointment might be delayed for hours. Add to this the fact that older adults in rural areas often must commute very long distances, particularly to see specialists.

All this can put an extra burden on a senior patient who may have to spend their whole day getting to and home from a medical office. The ability to meet with a physician virtually allows the older patient more time in the day to take care of their other needs.

Eliminates the cost of travel to the doctor’s office

Seniors are often on a fixed income, so every expenditure is carefully calculated. The cost of gasoline and parking or public transportation can be an unnecessary financial hardship for some older patients. Additionally, the fact that elders typically have more reasons to visit their healthcare provider for monitoring of chronic conditions, prescription renewals and regular check-ups.

Conducting virtual healthcare appointments can reduce the financial burden placed on our older members of society. Plus, it can avoid some of the costs a family member or support person might incur by taking the senior physically to an appointment.

Reduces caregiver stress

Taking care of an older family member is a big responsibility, especially for adults who may also need to work and take care of their own children. Caregiving can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s no secret that caregivers can also be subject to a lot of stress. Burnout is always a risk, especially if the caregiver can’t find the time to take care of their own needs.

Part of this caregiving often involves taking a senior patient to medical appointments. The ability to take part in a virtual visit with a loved one and their doctor can potentially save hours of time and really help to reduce the caregiver’s stress.

Lowers risk of infection

Older individuals can be more prone to being infected by contagious disease, since our immune systems generally weaken with age. This is especially true for those seniors whose immune system is compromised by an underlying medical condition.

By taking advantage of a virtual medical visit, patients at high risk of contracting an infection are offered more protection. What’s more, this can take the worry away from the patient and their support person who goes with them to their appointments. This factor is one of the main reasons why telemedicine increased 63-fold during the pandemic among Medicare recipients. The technology was, and continues to be, a lifeline during the spread of covid-19.

More appointments available

Because telemedicine often enables doctors to see more patients per day, it can allow patients to schedule an appointment sooner, rather than having to wait weeks or even months for an in-person visit. The ability to see a doctor sooner can literally be a lifesaver for some older adults. In addition, some healthcare providers offer 24/7 telemedicine appointments, so patients can see someone any time of the day or night.

In closing

It’s important to note that telemedicine will likely never completely replace in-person doctor’s visits. Doctors and patients physically need to be in the same space for things like physical exams, for instance, and patients must travel to the lab for blood draws and other tests. Telemedicine enhances healthcare and serves as a valuable complement to in-person appointments. It has so many benefits for patients-perhaps seniors most of all.

Originally published at https://markhirschhorn.com.