Telemedicine services refer to the remote delivery of health care. Most telemedicine services operate using a video platform application. However, telemedicine also encompasses health care provided via telephone communication. As such, telemedicine services allow you to receive healthcare from your own home or wherever you are. There are many different healthcare sectors that utilize telemedicine services, including primary care, psychiatry, and others.
 
It’s important to note that there is a slight difference between telemedicine and telehealth. While telemedicine is a branch of telehealth, the latter encompasses a broader range of tools and services. Telemedicine refers specifically to clinical services, while telehealth can also refer to non-clinical services. Examples of non-clinical services include electronic personal health records, providers speaking with other providers via videoconferencing, personal health applications, and more.

The process of having a telemedicine appointment is fairly simple. All you need is a phone, tablet, or computer and a private and secure internet connection to have a telemedicine visit. Scheduling a telemedicine visit is as easy as making an in-person appointment. Most clinics will have options to schedule a telemedicine visit on their website, or you can call in to book a telemedicine appointment and a receptionist will iron out the details with you.
 
Most of the time, the clinic you have your telemedicine with will have a specific videoconferencing application they use. You may need to download that application on your phone, computer, or tablet after making the appointment so you’re ready for the appointment when it comes.
 
Before your appointment, you’ll want to make sure you find a comfortable and private space to have the appointment where you won’t be interrupted and can safely divulge private information. The appointment will take place virtually, with both you and your provider connected through the videoconferencing application. From there, the appointment will proceed as it would if you were having it in person, with you discussing your symptoms and your provider offering medical guidance and writing prescriptions if needed.

Since telemedicine appointments take place virtually, they are limited in some ways with respect to the services they can provide. That said, telemedicine still covers many different services. If you’re in need of urgent medical attention, require physical testing, or any medical care that requires hands-on service, you’ll need to see a doctor in person. Any other medical concern can be adequately handled by a medical professional via telemedicine. With that in mind, some services that telemedicine can cover include:
 
– Allergy symptom treatment
– Care for bronchitis, common cold, influenza, and other respiratory conditions
– Managing chronic pain conditions like arthritis
– Monitoring of other chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disorders
– Renewing prescriptions
– Treatment and guidance for infections and minor injuries

The clearest benefit of telemedicine is the convenience it provides you. Instead of making time out of your day to travel to and from your appointment, which can be complicated if you also need to find transportation, telemedicine lets you have a doctor’s visit in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Since the appointment takes place in your own space, you will also be exposed to fewer contractable illnesses.
 
Another benefit of telemedicine is cost savings. In general, most telemedicine visits are less expensive than in-person doctor’s appointments. Telemedicine also makes it easier for providers to follow up with patients on procedures or treatments.
 
Telemedicine holds many benefits for patients and providers alike. If you’d like to learn more about our telemedicine services or book a telemedicine appointment with us at Avant Medical Group, we’d love to hear from you! Call us today or make an online appointment through our website. We are conveniently located at 233 Broadway Suite 2750 New York, NY 10279. We serve patients from New York NY, Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, Harlem NY, and Greenwich Village NY.