Distance Healing

instantaneously is significant. For patients, laborious visits to the doctor’s office, where lengthy wait times and check-in processes bog down time off work are seldom required. Telemedicine is regulated on a state level, much like provider licensure, legislating acts such as when telemedicine is appropriate (i.e. is an inperson visit needed first?) and when and how a provider can prescribe medication. On top of that, the federal government legislates privacy laws, insurance portability (Health Insurance Portability and Accountably Act) and recordkeeping. A healthcare practice will typically use third-party companies like Teladoc Health, mWELL, Heal or MDLIVE which provide platforms and apps that directly connect patients to doctors. As long as the patient has a smart phone, a tablet or a desktop or laptop computer, the software is accessible, and the virtual relationship can begin. Generally speaking, the interfaces are intuitive and easy to adopt, but a bit of a learning

curve should be expected. As more and more people choose to access healthcare virtually, the programs will continue to improve, and any technology hiccups will smooth out. Looking ahead, Dr. Razvi believes that patients will start to understand and embrace that they can do more of the exam themselves, like taking their own blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels, temperature and respiratory rate. They can have this information on hand before engaging with a physician. Telemedicine is most applicable for conditions like a cough, a sore throat, rash, minor eye problems, prescription refills or pain in a certain area of the body. The balance between knowing when to come in and when a video call is sufficient is still a critical decision point and analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, we are our own most important healthcare advocates. We are empowered to act on what’s in our health and well-being’s best interest. The technology just helps us get there quicker and easier. “The more often patients use telemedicine, the more it will become familiar. They will gain autonomy and confidence,” Dr. Razvi states. Carmel Winter of Pembroke recently had surgery to repair a ruptured ACL [anterior cruciate ligament]. Her twice-a-week physical therapy appointments take place via VidyoConnect, and her surgeon followups are virtual, eliminating a two-hour drive. “It puts you more in control,” she states. “I can decide whether or not I need to be seen.” Telemedicine is not a novel concept for these 2020 times, but virtual house-calls are rapidly becoming a household name. Having more lines of communication to our healthcare providers is a good thing. And if you’ve had a particularly positive experience using telemedicine practices recently, be sure to spread the word and tele-friend! Ha!

Nancy S. Moseley is a Blacksburg resident who once shuddered at the idea of video chatting, but now embraces the ability to see the faces of long-distance friends.

SEEING YOU SAFELY.

While you’ve been at home, we’ve been busy.

From routine checkups to checking in for surgery, we’ve created new ways for you to connect with your care team virtually, without having to leave home.

And when a traditional visit is right for you, we’ve created space in our waiting rooms—and our schedules—for you to feel confident and comfortable while you’re here.