Although video telemedicine was recently understood as a futuristic concept fraught with practical limitations and difficulties, virtual healthcare delivery is here. Telemedicine has especially become common in the realm of specialty, such as the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Traditionally, rheumatologists preferred in-person visits, but with the COVID-19 crisis and the precautionary measures that set in place, face-to-face healthcare may not be the best idea. Luckily, thanks to telehealth, rheumatologists can provide essential coverage to their patients.

Making a Telemedicine Appointment

With the current global health crisis, unless you or your loved one has to see a doctor. Take precautions and use Telemedicine whenever you can. To receive Telemedicine, you need an internet-enabled device such as a pc, smartphone, or tablet with a microphone, webcam, and internet connection. Unless you have symptoms that your doctor would like to investigate in person, you'll probably be able to go through a successful consultation virtually.

The Importance of Staying Connected to Your Health Care Provider

If you are living with a rheumatologic health condition, you will understand the importance of having regular visits with your doctor. Whether in person or virtually, you need to stay connected with your rheumatologist. A recent pre-COVID-19 survey conducted to 500 creaky joint members indicated that almost 80 percent of the patients saw their doctor for treatments related to main health conditions, and 50 percent said that they have to go to the doctor every two or three months. While we are treading through unprecedented times, anyone living with a rheumatologic condition cannot afford to stay in touch with his or her health care specialist. These routine checkups are paramount to assess;

• How well a patient can carry out everyday activities.
•  Arthritis symptoms and the general well-being of the patient
• Address any concern about the daily management of the condition
• Discuss any blood-work, x-ray, or lab results and any progression of disease activity.
• Queries regarding medications and discuss any side effects

What Telemedicine Can't Do

Parts of the treatment and routine care cannot conclude virtually. They include;

• Provide hands-on examination such as access swelling joints
• Give injections or infusions
• Take a blood sample for testing.

If you need a face-to-face visit to your doctor, you can rest assured your health care's office is taking the WHO's precautions to keep you safe from COVID-19.

The consequences of COVID-19 are noticeable in the day-to-day operations in the healthcare sector, and it is evident that telemedicine is at the epicenter of patient care. At its best, telemedicine is so far an efficient way for physicians to connect with patients, especially now that social distancing is necessary.

Besides reducing the ballooning health care cost, physicians use this new approach to manage time, provide online assessment, make appointments, consult with other hospital personnel, meet patients, and be next to kin. Nonetheless, this communication technology has downsides. For instance, there is a need to balance patient needs and the patient care provider's availability. Currently, there is a risk over-straining the healthcare resources, especially when doctors must respond to patient's needs 24-7.

A new communication channel that meets patient convenience and, consequently, limits doctors' distractions are needed for telemedicine to succeed during the current pandemic and beyond. There is a need for a platform that meets the following essential criteria for telehealth to achieve:

• Patients and other health care providers must connect on a universal platform. Having one platform for all parties will minimize errors and unnecessary voluminous work.
• The platform should have a feature that allows the patient's care team to communicate freely regardless of location, office, organization, and electronic health record source. Information for a particular doctor must flow swiftly without unnecessarily disturbing that doctor or colleagues.
• The telemedicine platform must minimize data overload and errors by allowing direct communication among caregivers.
• The platform must be patient-centered. It must allow customers to consent to medical procedures, access, and share information.
• The platform must prioritize patient needs as well as the doctor's time and privacy.
• The platform should guarantee the privacy and integrity of patient data by securing a HIPAA-compliance certificate.
• It must have a feature allowing physicians to secure patients' consent.

In a nutshell, there is a need for universal distraction-free communication technology to enhance practice management and communications in the healthcare sector during this viral pandemic and beyond.

COVID 19 stayed longer than anybody expected. Our lives are the former shells of what they were, and with this comes a mental crisis that could even outlast the virus. However, the Baker administration has put into place emergency telemedicine measures. And these measures could help curb the mental health crisis if they are made permanent.

Social distancing is a term that we hear more and more each day. Stay at home orders are also rampant in different countries around the world. These measures have led to widespread economic insecurity and an overwhelming concern about getting infected with the coronavirus.

People facing depression have found themselves unable to receive the usual one on one care of traditional medicine, or group therapy. Going for any medical help has become a preserve for the emergencies. People experiencing anxiety for the first time have no idea of how to get help.

The mental health issues pandemic is one that is getting worse with each passing day.

Crisis centers have recorded seeing 30 percent to 40 percent increases in requests for assistance, with helplines overwhelmed with calls.

For sure, the Covid-19 pandemic is a disaster masked with considerable uncertainty. Even experts don't have a breakthrough yet, but we are all hoping for the best.

A Glimpse of Hope for Your Mental Health

Earlier in the year, the Baker Administration took a firm stand when it issued an order requesting insurance companies to cover telehealth visits like in-person sessions. A bold move and the response was overwhelming from people facing mental distress.

Telehealth has given individuals the ability to see therapists and Doctors over a video call or phone call; it gives individuals who are suffering from mental health problems away to communicate with their therapists to get the help they need.