The administration of first world countries are equipped with the telehealth weapon to fight the virus. Telehealth solutions are being referred to as the now and future of healthcare. Regarded as a blessing, Telehealth allows patients to be at home rather than moving to rehabilitation centers. Telehealth applications are boosting productivity and work efficiency of the medical service providers by designing custom healthcare software. This is a move to increase the number of doctors participating in telehealth programs. It permits them to practice in an area other than where they are licensed. Governors are trying to use their emergency powers to seek approval for doctors to participate in these states.
Can telehealth adequately prepare for the flood of coronavirus patients?
Telehealth services are being stamped upon under the weight of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. The crisis is severely bothering and concerning telehealth providers, infrastructure and physicians who failed to foresee the scale of coronavirus. A sudden explosion in demand for virtual healthcare facilities greeted the hospitals. Clinicians and telehealth companies are currently facing huge backlogs and the healthcare app development proves to be very advantageous.
Telehealth software and blockchain healthcare app provide patients access to significant health care services by using modern technology. Services are provided through video conferencing, monitoring from a remote location, electronic consultations and wireless forms of communication. 76% of the hospitals have this facility with the goal of ensuring the right care at the right time. The waging war against Coronavirus pandemic is concerning and alarming at the same time. Governments and states are gearing for urgent actions. They are trying to strike a balance between protecting the health of the masses, curbing disruption, and standing up for human rights.
A telemedicine company claimed that they have witnessed a business uptick in the past few weeks. While getting the technology to address the pandemic is not the real challenge rather, arranging the requisite number of clinicians certainly is.
The coronavirus threat has increased self-diagnoses in form of taking questionnaires and interactive sessions. There is an urgent need to upgrade technical systems to care for each patient. Doctors are using phone calls and video visits to keep up with the influx of patients.
Inventing a new system during an ongoing disaster can be very difficult but development companies in India have come up with healthcare app development.
Role of Federal and State regulations in Covid-19
Telemedicine and Telehealth services have been earlier limited to catering to wealthy patients for convenience. Going more mainstream as more people seek care in emergency rooms to treat their fever and coughs. There is also a need to isolate the coronavirus affected patients and health care workers. Caring for the existing patients is also equally necessary amid the growing population of new patients. Telehealth was active before the pandemic but the increasing need has given rise to greater accessibility. Medicare patients earlier had limited coverage through telehealth. Telehealth reduces the strain on doctors’ time and resources. It also helps in avoiding the spread of the virus by simply reaching the doctors’ on their phones and desktops.
Doctors have been concerned about their payments and thus they are hesitant to treat online. The administration uses technology to minimize the short-term impacts of the virus on the nation’s health care system. It has lowered patients’ costs and promoted the use of telemedicine and telehealth services. In the past, it was available to seniors in rural areas who had to reach a medical facility to contact the doctors remotely.
Restrictions and insurance policies have also withheld the expansion of the telehealth sector. The current crisis has led to greater adoption of technology. The health care system is not equipped to cope with COVID-19 challenges. There is a dire need to build reliable and strong technology.
Besides hindrances caused by human and cultural factors, telehealth is being affected by legal and technological challenges. Countries need to issue regulations and legislations governing confidentiality, privacy, access, and dignity. Telehealth solutions should be implemented fairly, upholding high ethical standards. It is vital to ensure differences in education, age, gender, location, language, and abilities do not lead to marginalization.
How to give a boost to telehealth services during Covid 19?
The government has expanded its coverage to all nationals including those who are struggling to meet existing needs. Government rules and regulations, therefore, do not impede patient care. Services are being provided in nursing homes, hospital departments and beyond. The new agreements are relaxing restrictions and rules which go to help patients who need care. The demand for telehealth services has seen a spike without the government’s need to urge.
Virtual care is the need of the hour with a contagious disease like coronavirus lurking around. New startups are serving their role to ensure proper treatment. Communities and businesses are advised to collaborate and devise innovative solutions to tackle the mind-boggling issue of COVID-19. Private insurance companies have also been to expand their telehealth benefits and specify to the providers and members what they entail. All states have been authorized to form and validate their tests within their borders. Patients can see their doctors and physicians via Skype and FaceTime with no additional costs.
Conclusion
Quick action is necessary to update federal state laws to promote flexible telehealth options for care. The President and Congress should comply with a set model and state rules allowing providers to be located anywhere in the country. They should be permitted to not only see patients but also to arrange the best treatment for them. Eliminating statutory and regulatory barriers to increase the use of telehealth systems, not only in Medicare but also in Medicaid and federal programs. Waivers of barriers to care for health care providers are an absolute necessity.
SoftGrid Computers is based in India, which is providing a one-stop solution to all health-related concerns by channelizing IT resources. For customized healthcare solutions and healthcare analytics related queries, SoftGrid computers are a trusted and reliable choice for all patients and doctors. The patient portals allow patients to obtain their medical treatments and records with their app service.