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Telemedicine refers to offering healthcare services by doctors to patients when both of them aren’t physically present in front of one another. Thanks to modern technology, all an individual needs in a device that has a stable internet connection and medical care can be the touch of a button. The cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and accessibility aspects of telemedicine have made its popularity increase by the day.
However, the age-old beliefs regarding medical care still exist, and thereby gives rise to several myths. Read on to know more about the myths that tend to stop people from availing of the benefits of telemedicine.
Myth #1: The majority of the patients don’t believe in telemedicine
The reality is the exact opposite of this myth. All the recent surveys have shown time and again that patients have started warming up to the idea of telemedicine. After all, they do not need to wait for hours at the clinic or commute anywhere. All they need is a smartphone to avail quality medical care at all times.
Regardless of whether you stay in a village or a big city, medical care is simply touch on your smartphone. This ease of access has made online doctor consultation the first choice of patients nowadays.
Myth #2: Telemedicine is not completely illegal
We have no idea from where this myth originated, but you can be assured that this is completely false information. The Government of India recognizes telemedicine as both an information service and a health service. The given acts and regulations by the Government of India legalizes e-prescriptions and telemedicine:
- The Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act)
- Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940
- Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945
- The Indian Medical Council Act, 1956
- The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002
The simple truth is that all the laws that apply to medical practitioners that carry on the treatment in their clinics are the same as the ones that apply to the ones offering their services through telemedicine.
Myth #3: Telemedicine is unable to offer an optimum quality of healthcare
All healthcare platforms and professionals are committed to offering quality, regardless of whether you consult doctor online or at a clinic. Of course, there is no denying that each and every case cannot be treated through virtual care. But the things that can be done through telemedicine are carried out with utmost care.
Telemedicine lets you consult the doctors at all times and from any place. Also, you
can get your e-prescriptions mentioning medications, lifestyle recommendations, and diet. Usually, if you are using a telemedicine app, you will also find ways to manage all these documents through the app. Even the doctors you’re consulting with online will ask you about your medical history and other complications – same as a family doctor.
Myth #4: Physical assessments are absolute necessary
For the longest time, people have believed that a physical assessment is compulsory for diagnosing any health condition. Though it is true in some cases, there are plenty of conditions that can do without a physical assessment. Knowing the symptoms and the medical history of the patient is enough for the doctor to offer an effective treatment plan for several minor but urgent conditions.
It is also important to keep in mind that a consultation does not end at offering immediate treatment and diagnosis. There are things like follow-ups and post-consultation check-ups that are a part of any quality healthcare delivery. And these aspects do not need the patients’ physical presence anyway.
Read Also – What doctors think of online doctor consultation
Myth #5: Telemedicine involves a greater risk of malpractices
Telemedicine helps to reduce the risk of medical malpractices because there is always a valid paper trail of your treatment. These documents will always be there as the signs of the code of conduct of the doctor and the treatments offered by them. You can always go through the paper trail and get a full picture of your treatment.
Wrapping up
People continue to believe in these myths because it feels easier to trust conventions like actual clinics rather than opt for an effective transformation like online consultation. But not anymore! It is time to stop believing in these myths and avail of the benefits of telemedicine.
