US: 
In the digital age, everything is just a tap away. There is almost nothing you cannot do with a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in cyberchondria or health anxiety triggered by repeated online searches for health-related information.
This phenomenon could be addressed if people can access real-time virtual consultation to confirm or debunk their self-research online. This is because while the client’s intention to learn more about their health is good, online self-diagnosis can also cause harm and unnecessary anxiety.
The harms of online self-diagnosis also highlighted the importance of healthcare services keeping up with the demand for accessible and quality healthcare. Thus, the rise of telemedicine.
Telemedicine, or telehealth, uses electronic information and technology, including computers, cameras, videoconferencing, satellites, wireless communications, and the Internet, to deliver healthcare services.
In 2020, 80% of patients who experienced healthcare through telemedicine were satisfied with the service they received. They appreciated the convenience and ease of access it had given them. Telemedicine was also noted to be time-saving and cost-efficient for patients.
So, once again, the Internet proved its benefit to the people.
Telemedicine in the Years to Come
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, 50% of medical practices utilize telemedicine to accommodate the setting of appointments, requests for prescription refills, delivery of test results, and viewing visit summaries.
Reports even noted that 91% of clients said that telemedicine helps them follow appointments and health recommendations, manage prescriptions and refills, and follow regimen recommendations.
In addition, a 2021 telehealth survey showed that people are willing to use telemedicine to avail of the following services:
- consultations for common illnesses/infections
- follow-up visits
- talk therapy
- management for a chronic condition
- specialist visits
- physical therapy
- prescriptions management
Indeed, telemedicine is here to stay and thrive.
Aside from the accessible health services delivered online, telemedicine is seen as an excellent augmentation to accessible healthcare because of its promptness of service and proactive communications.
This is partly because of medical virtual assistants (VA) that support frontline medical professionals. VAs are independent contractors providing mainly administrative services online. They work off-site in the comfort of their homes, but they can access documents related to their company’s operations.
General practice doctors, surgeons, dentists, psychologists, and veterinarians outsource VAs to aid them in several tasks, including:
- facilitating administrative tasks of the operations
- accommodating your patients using a schedule and calendar basis.
- conducting data entry for health records in preparation for your review
- serving as virtual receptionists
- providing technical support to your communications
- assisting in medical billing
But is hiring a VA a worthy investment for you?
Four in five adult Americans prefer human interaction to automated replies, so hiring a real person to facilitate your communications is a great investment. False diagnoses may also decrease with increased responses from medical professionals like you.
More importantly, your workload will be reduced since someone will tend to your minor and repetitive tasks. At the same time, you get more time to rest and focus on your critical functions as a medical professional.
Studies noted that stress and burnout can affect your performance and efficiency, so ways to lessen your burden can benefit you.
Send us a message and welcome a medical VA into your team today!