Dr. Sameer Suhail on the Essential Role of Telehealth in Improving Medical Care
Dr. Sameer Suhail Describes How Telehealth Improves Primary and Specialty Care
When it comes to healthcare, the days of traditional, in-person appointments are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Telehealth and Virtual Medical Scribe has emerged as a highly valuable tool for delivering healthcare services in a fast, convenient, and accessible manner.
Due to its many benefits, telehealth is becoming an integral part of today’s healthcare landscape and is poised to play an even more significant role in the future. Whether it’s receiving support for chronic conditions or getting quick access to medical advice for common issues, telehealth is helping healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care on a wider scale than ever before. Ultimately, this transformative healthcare model promises better health outcomes for people around the world. It allows patients to connect with doctors and other medical professionals remotely, providing access to care for those who may not have otherwise had it. Dr. Sameer Suhail discusses the impact of the emergence of telehealth in the pursuit of improving access to primary and specialty care among various populations.
First, it is crucial to discuss the differences between primary and specialty care.
Primary care is essential for maintaining overall health and wellness. This type of healthcare refers to the day-to-day healthcare that is provided by a patient’s regular doctor and other healthcare providers, such as nurses, counselors, or nutritionists. Primary care can include anything from administering routine checkups and prescribing medications to providing general healthcare advice and supporting patients during major health events. This type of care usually takes place in an outpatient setting and focuses on preventive measures and the management of chronic conditions.
Meanwhile, specialty care is the type of service provided by doctors who have special training in specific areas of medicine. This type of care is usually given in an inpatient setting and focuses on more complex medical needs.
Telehealth has the potential to improve access to both primary and specialty care. For example, if a patient resides in a rural area, they likely do not have easy access to a primary care physician. They can connect with a primary care physician in another location via video conferencing with telehealth. This would allow them to receive the care they need without traveling long distances, explains Dr. Sameer Suhail.
Likewise, access to specialty care, particularly in underserved areas, can be enhanced with telehealth. For instance, a patient with a rare condition that requires treatment from a specialist but makes it difficult for them to travel can receive the care they need through telehealth.
Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, but sadly, many people around the world are unable to receive the medical care they need. There are a number of factors that can contribute to this problem, including financial barriers, geographical barriers, and language barriers. These include transportation issues and financial challenges. With telehealth, these barriers can be overcome, as patients connect with their doctors from anywhere with an internet connection. This is a boon to those who live in rural areas, where access to quality healthcare can be even more limited.
