Are telehealth visits the new doctor home visits?

Growing up in rural central West Virginia, I can remember the doctor coming to the house with his black bag full of medicine and instruments. Now I have two providers that I consult with over Zoom, and I wonder if this is the new “home visit.”

For those of us with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), time is often of the essence. Back when the doctor came to see me at home, it was a same-day visit — even if that meant he came late in the evening or at night. My pulmonologist has a same-day policy for many of his patients, but if they are too ill to go to the office, then they’ll usually end up in the emergency room (ER).

When nonemergency patients end up in the ER, it can lead to overcrowding and a situation called boarding, where patients are placed in hallways while waiting for a room. This is less than optimal for patients who are quite ill. Telemedicine may be a solution for some patients and ER staff.

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Telemedicine has provided me with competent and convenient care. My recent and ongoing experience with MD Live, a virtual healthcare service, has been life-changing for me. I knew that I needed mental healthcare, and though I have a degree in health, I also live in the real world where there is sometimes a stigma attached to this type of care.

Finding a psychiatrist I could meet with over Zoom allowed me to receive the care I needed without visiting a mental health facility. Another advantage was that I got an appointment within one day and didn’t have to leave my home.

MD Live has multiple providers who cover a range of medical conditions. While I believed my mental health could be evaluated via Zoom, I remained uncertain about other health issues — until I missed an appointment with my primary care physician because of hip pain. Within minutes of canceling the appointment, I received a message from my insurance company about how Vori Health, a medical practice that offers virtual appointments, can help treat bone and joint issues. I don’t know if the timing was a coincidence, but at any rate, it was timely.

I ended up scheduling a televisit with an orthopedic doctor from Vori Health, and the appointment cost me nothing. I was impressed with how observant the doctor was as she watched me go through several movements. She determined that I would benefit from physical therapy.

I now meet virtually with a physical therapist every week, who watches recordings of exercises I’ve completed. This is pretty much the same routine as when I attended physical therapy in person, but without the hassle of going to the facility. I haven’t been enrolled in the program long enough to know the end result.

I don’t think telemedicine can be successful in every instance. I cannot imagine a telehealth visit with my pulmonologist, as he is so attuned to my lung sounds and can hear the slightest variation. But as technology advances, who knows what may be possible?

For people who live in areas where appointments are hard to come by, I suggest giving telehealth a try. It does seem to be the new doctor home visit and may allow for a more timely appointment. I am thankful my insurance pays for 100% of my telehealth calls.

Note: COPD News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of COPD News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.