The modern world has had a shift in how people access medical care during the Covid-19 pandemic. That’s because interpersonal consultations and doctor visits came to a complete halt. Telehealth has become a popular means through which people can access healthcare remotely. One such medical practice area is telecardiology that treats heat-related illnesses.
Telecardiology Defined
Telecardiology isn’t a new concept. Cardiologists have long utilized different forms of technology to treat patients with heart-related issues. Telecardiology refers to remotely interpreting electrocardiographic recordings via technology such as video conferencing. For instance, technology helps doctors to check pacemakers or transmit patient data remotely. That helps manage a patient’s heart condition effectively.
Advanced medical technology has contributed to the growth of telecardiology. Medical technology includes keeping records of cardiac images in digital formats. These formats allow hospital staff to send data to centralized sites where cardiovascular specialists interpret the information using artificial intelligence.
Rather than eliminate the need for in-person treatment, telecardiology is a welcome supplementary treatment for primary care. Moreover, it helps cut hospital visits and in-patient care. Besides, you have the freedom to seek treatment from the comfort of your home or office.
Are There Any Concerns?
As much as telehealth is successful, it doesn’t offer a perfect treatment scenario. Doctors are still trying to figure these things out:
- The appropriate timeline to see a patient by teleconference rather than in-person
- How to blend telecardiology with in-person visits or in-patient care
- How to handle teleconference visits for new patients when there’s no previous relationship
- The implications of patients communicating with other cardiovascular disease healthcare providers
- Insurance reimbursements for telecardiology visit fees
Telecardiology is a step in the right direction in the cardiology world, but there’s still a long way to go. Luckily, there’s a bright light at the end of the tunnel. It all starts with developing a solid plan for the best patient care. The future of telemedicine looks better with each passing day and advancements in technology.