Telemedicine is becoming a hugely popular health care product, and a great way to connect doctors and medical facilities with patients. Although many people are still not familiar with its application or availability, the medical community is acutely aware of the cost savings and efficacy of providing direct access between the healer and the sick.
As a matter of fact, according to a report from the Healthcare Performance Management Institute in 2013, and attributed to "National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 2006 (August 2008)", 70 percent of physician visits and 40 percent of hospital ER visits can be handled by a phone call.
Telemedicine (sometimes called telehealth) has several advantages. And, the vast majority of patients like using this type of service. A survey by EHR research firm Software Advice found that 6 percent of patients who have used telemedicine didn't perceive any benefits over in-person visits. The remaining patients cited the following benefits of virtual appointments:
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21 percent – quality of care
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21 percent – don't have to travel
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20 percent – comfort of home
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11 percent – quick access to care
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10 percent – shorter wait time
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9 percent – easy to use
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8 percent – avoid waiting room
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4 percent – cost effective
So, those 6 percent would likely have complained about anything. You can't make everyone happy. But a 94 percent success ratio is better than most options when considering ways to deliver patient care. Primarily, people said it is so much more convenient. They save time from leaving work or school and save money. The convenience dominates over all other aspects.
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