Commentary
Have you ever had a severe and persistent common cold and been advised by your healthcare provider to schedule a telehealth appointment with your doctor? This is becoming more common as medical clinics discourage in-person visits to avoid the risk of infection for their staff.
Current treatment for persistent cough often involves using telehealth services, which has raised concerns about the future of this form of medical care.
Telehealth was initially introduced by Medicare to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, including the common cold.
Before the pandemic, Medicare did not provide refunds for telehealth services and doctors were not reimbursed for their professional services. However, the temporary telehealth arrangement has now become a permanent feature of Australia’s universal healthcare program, Medicare.
During the pandemic, it often became impossible for doctors’ clinics to welcome patients due to lockdowns, quarantine, and isolation requirements. This led to an increase in telehealth services, including telephone and video meetings between patients and doctors.
Telehealth services can only be offered when it is safe and clinically appropriate to do so, and the patient must have an established relationship with the treating doctor.
Not All Is Bad
Between March 2020 and July 2022, telehealth services were provided to 18 million patients in Australia, with over 118 million services offered. Over 95,000 practitioners utilized these services during this time.
The availability of telehealth has major advantages, particularly for people in remote areas who struggle to access healthcare facilities in person. It allows for the monitoring and protection of their health.
However, telehealth is not a complete substitute for in-person examinations, as it is often used for obtaining electronic prescriptions rather than making proper diagnoses.
Security concerns regarding the transmission of personal health data electronically have also been raised.
Telehealth has become an opportune tool to streamline the nation’s health services, but it is not a comprehensive solution to healthcare problems, especially for patients who require specialist care.
The pressure to use telehealth for common colds may have adverse consequences for patients’ health, especially those who need specialist care. Overusing telehealth services also leads to financial waste and contributes to the bureaucratic breakdown of the medical system.
Patients with ongoing illnesses should be seen by their treating doctors in person rather than solely relying on telehealth. Depriving them of in-person care can make them feel marginalized and stigmatized.
It is important to note that the views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.