Senior care is a vital aspect of any country’s healthcare system. It’s especially important in the US as people aged 65 and older are projected to grow to 95 million by 2060. The latest technological advancements in the medical field are changing the game when it comes to senior care. One of these revolutionary advancements is telemedicine.
Today, telemedicine technology is improving medical care for geriatric patients by enabling easier access to care and tackling major concerns. In this blog, we’re listing the benefits of online healthcare services for seniors.
What Is Telemedicine?
We need to know what telemedicine is before we understand its benefits. First, telemedicine isn’t new, but the latest developments in technology have made it more efficient.
To put it simply, telemedicine is delivering healthcare through online platforms like video meetings or messages. Most people believe that only online healthcare can only offer virtual consultations. However, telemedicine can help address many health concerns through online healthcare services like virtual consultations, diagnoses, imaging, prescription, etc.
So, what are its benefits?
No Transportation Problems
Transportation is one of the biggest concerns the elderly face when accessing healthcare. It’s a pressing issue as most older people can’t drive, or their health doesn’t allow them to. Some might not have a car or someone to drive them to appointments regularly.
Family members end up having to cancel their work appointments to coordinate transportation to and from the practitioner’s office as well as a pharmacy or lab. This can hinder or complicate geriatric patients’ access to crucial healthcare services.
Telemedicine changes that by enabling patients to access healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes.
Convenient Access
Commuting can also be taxing on elderly patients and do more harm than good. Most elderly patients get tired easily, and commuting can be extremely exhausting. It’s especially true for geriatric patients who live far away from medical facilities.
Similarly, they also don’t have to wait for days or weeks to get an appointment from their medical provider. This way, they don’t have to make an appointment based on when they have transportation to and from the clinic.
Easier Access to Specialists
Unfortunately, most people can’t access specialists in the United States because of longer wait times and insurance acceptance issues. With telehealth, geriatric patients don’t need healthcare insurance to access specialists for their concerns.
Less Exposure to Germs
Medical staff at doctors’ offices are extremely careful with cleanliness, but there’s still a considerable risk of germ exposure in the surrounding areas. However, geriatric patients don’t have to expose themselves to unneeded risks with telemedicine.
If you want to schedule a virtual medical appointment, reach out to our specialists at FastDocNow for online medical services today.
At FastDocNow, we’re proud to be providing online medical care services like virtual medical consultation, online imaging, and online prescription services.
Contact us to find out more.