Telemedicine is defined by the American Telemedicine Association as “use of medical information exchanged from one place to another via electronic communications to improve patients' health status.” The American Medical Association has reported that as many as 70% of all doctor visits are for information only or for matters that can be handled over the phone. In addition, research indicates that the loss of wages, time and productivity from unnecessary Emergency Room (ER) and doctor visits for non-emergencies and simple prescription refills is costing this country hundreds of billions of dollars.
The fast-growing telemedicine industry is aimed at inefficiencies in the current medical delivery system. How many times would a phone call with a doctor have saved a visit to the physician’s office? Increasingly, physician practices are closed to new patients and existing patients can wait days for non-emergency office visit availability. In 2014 millions of previously uninsured people began joining the system due to healthcare reform. This not only burdened the existing doctor-to-patient ratios, but it necessitated alternate delivery and access methods.
Telemedicine is a logical solution and Nexus has chosen to represent a leading provider in the field, Teladoc. By utilizing Teladoc, members can obtain affordable, convenient, top quality medical care and prescription refills (when appropriate) without leaving home. Access to licensed practitioners is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by telephone medical consultations or by email consultation. Either way allows the patient to consult directly with a physician in a secure, private environment. Who can benefit from telemedicine?
- Uninsured
- Business or frequent travelers
- Residents of or visitors to rural or remote areas
- Students
- Self-employed
- Companies
- Elderly or homebound
- People with pre-existing illnesses
- Patients needing medical advice on private matters
Nexus is a national Reseller for Teladoc.