5 Benefits of Endocrinology Telemedicine Services
Contents
Telemedicine has grown quickly, and endocrinology is one of the specialties where it fits well. Endocrine conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease are often long-term, so they need regular follow-up.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Your own clinician should decide whether a video visit suits your situation.
Here are some of the benefits that you can derive from a virtual endocrinologist through telemedicine consultations.
1. Convenience of a virtual endocrinologist
Telemedicine can enable you to access a doctor even in remote areas.
Virtual visits can also feel more like a consultation with your primary care medic or family care physician rather than a specialist visit that is arranged at an inconvenient locale and time, which may include, for instance, having to travel for hours to see your primary care doctor, who may then refer you to another specialty or subspecialty service provider such as an endocrinologist.
As such, if you’re a patient and traveling over long distances, telemedicine consultations can make things much simpler and provide you with a cost-effective means to receive care.
2. Privacy
When deciding whether or not to use telemedicine-related services to electronically consult with an endocrinologist, privacy is a critical concern for the majority of patients. Reputable telehealth services use encrypted video and messaging platforms. Before a visit, ask the provider which platform they use and how it protects your health information.
Take the call from a private, quiet spot, and avoid public Wi-Fi when you can.
3. Convenience
Endocrinology online also makes it easier for patients to book appointments because of the ability to connect with doctors virtually at their convenience as well as have access to specialists who can provide treatment or continue to provide follow-up care from a remote area. In essence, this type of telemedicine service can be offered through any mobile device such as:
- Smartphone
- Tablet
- Computer
As a patient, these devices can allow you to use endocrinology telemedicine services anytime there is internet access.
4. Costs
Telehealth can cost less than in-person visits, and it saves travel time. Coverage varies, though, so check with your insurer before you book. For instance, through this telehealth-related service, you can:
- Book appointments online
- Receive lab results
- Communicate through secure messaging or text
- Skip travel and time off work for routine check-ins
5. Ability to communicate
Hypothyroidism is a good example. Its most common cause is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder, and treatment is adjusted over time based on blood tests such as TSH. That makes regular follow-up important.
Telemedicine makes it easier to check in with your endocrinologist between visits. It can also cut wait times for routine follow-up.
Limits of virtual endocrine care
Some diagnoses still need an in-person exam or lab test. You will usually need to visit a lab for blood work, and some problems, such as a thyroid lump, need a hands-on exam or imaging.
Get in-person or emergency care for severe or sudden symptoms, such as very high or very low blood sugar.
Conclusion
Telehealth is now a common care method within endocrinology. As such, the above guide highlights some of the benefits you can derive from endocrinology online.
These benefits include access to a specialist from remote areas, convenience, possible cost savings and easier follow-up. Virtual visits work best alongside the lab tests and in-person exams your clinician recommends.
Sources
- Telehealth, MedlinePlus (NIH)
- Hypothyroidism | Hashimoto's Disease, MedlinePlus (NIH)
