How online consultation changing the healthcare industry?

Online consultations are becoming more prevalent in the healthcare industry. Executives and doctors prefer to consult with patients who live a sufficient distance away rather than scheduling an in-person visit.  This trend is changing how our healthcare system works and may become more prevalent in future years as we shift our focus toward quality over quantity.   As online consultations increase, they are affecting how patients utilize their healthcare providers which has many implications and will likely change how our healthcare system functions. Malady is one of the leading companies in providing patients with nearby lab and physician consultation services.

The future of online consultations:

Many insurance companies have already begun to offer this as an option as it has the potential to save time and money.  However, most insurance companies are already taken these online consultations in their insurance plans.  This could potentially change as more data is collected on how online consultations affect the industry.  Online connectivity may increase the number of patients or doctors using this service, which may result in government intervention or additional funding. Online consultations are becoming more prevalent in the healthcare industry. Executives and doctors prefer to consult with patients who live a sufficient distance away rather than scheduling an in-person visit.

Implications for the industry:

Online consulting allows the industry to focus its resources on more pressing issues that could impact addressing health crises and improve the immune system before they occur.   In general, online consultations may mean better patient care as they remove time and financial barriers associated with in-person visits.   However, this does not mean that these consultations are without fault as security breaches regarding medical information are likely with the increase of online access to patient records and have been reported in various news outlets.

The effect of online consultations:

Online consultations are changing how our healthcare is organized and may be a major contributor to increased government oversight.  These changes are not limited to the United States as many other countries have made similar modifications.  They impact the way that patients access healthcare services and can affect overall patient satisfaction with care. Patients are becoming more dependent on communication technology, so in-person visits will become less frequent.

Benefits of online medical services:

-Flexible working hours for the patient

-Accessibility allows patients to consult with multiple doctors if needed

-Reduces waiting times and costs associated with travel

-Limited interactions from the provider allow more privacy and confidentiality 

Limitations of online medical services:

-Technological access required

-Privacy may be a concern

-Time zone differences may make communication difficult  

Conclusion:

In summary, online consultations are rapidly changing the healthcare industry and will continue to do so in the future. This new way of treatment has many benefits such as reducing travel time, and costs and improving accessibility for patients.  However, as with most technological advances, some limitations accompany it. online medical services are easily hackable and there is fear that confidential information may be compromised.

However, the industry should address these security concerns for online medical services to become a more commonplace practice. If done successfully, patients and doctors can better plan their consultation times which would allow for better patient care by creating an improved continuity of care.