Let’s confront the elephant in the virtual room: technology limitations. We’ve all experienced the frustration of internet hiccups and poor video quality, which can affect the diagnostic process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, imagine a scenario where a patient in a rural area experiences poor internet connectivity during a telemedicine consultation, leading to disruptions in communication and potentially compromising the accuracy of the diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, the absence of physical examination poses a significant challenge. While telemedicine doctors can rely on patient-reported symptoms and observations, certain conditions may require hands-on assessment for a conclusive diagnosis. Consider a patient presenting with a rash\u2014a telemedicine consultation may provide visual cues, but tactile examination could offer crucial insights into the nature and severity of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Dr. Josh Emdur, a physician and medical director, \u201cFrom my experience, telemedicine works best for very mild conditions and I guess that around 80% of patient complaints could be addressed with a video consult.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doctors using telemedicine to deliver care to patients are used to these challenges, and most of them have found better ways of navigating these issues by leveraging innovative technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a dermatologist may use the high-resolution images captured by patients using smartphone cameras to assess skin conditions remotely. While it may not replicate an in-person examination entirely, it serves as a valuable tool in augmenting diagnostic accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n