In an age where almost all consumer goods and services can be hailed instantly from the customer’s phone, prompt access to a medical doctor through a smartphone seems to be an appropriate fit for today’s “Uber Economy.” It’s one of the most touted benefits of telemedicine. Patients can connect with a doctor quickly and more conveniently than a traditional office appointment. But like with all new technology, there is a trade-off. In exchange for urgent medical advice, patients are connected with healthcare providers who they have never seen before, and will most likely never see again after the telemedicine visit.
This puts the providers in a tough situation as they feel compelled to take a “worst-case scenario” approach to their diagnoses and treatment recommendations. The fear of underdiagnosing a patient outweighs the consequences of prescribing medications that the patient might not need. The most common example of this is the unfettered prescribing of antibiotics by telemedicine doctors. Instead of waiting for confirmation that the patient is not reacting to a virus, these doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics just in case it turns out to be a bacterial infection.
So how can telemedicine companies combat the overprescribing of antibiotics and other prescriptions? The solution is quite simple. Connect patients with doctors who can monitor the patient’s progress over time.
At HealthLens, only doctors who are active members of brick-and-mortar practices can join. This allows the patients to select a doctor in their area so they can visit their office for additional tests and procedures if necessary. HealthLens also allows the patients to ask the doctor questions after the diagnosis has been made, which improves adherence to treatment plans and, consequently, patient outcomes.
By lengthening the care window from 10 minutes to however long it takes for the patient’s outcome to improve, HealthLens' telemedicine platform helps doctors make more accurate assessments and recommend more appropriate treatment options.
To find a doctor in your area who uses HealthLens to treat patients online, visit HealthLens.com.
