Apr 14, 2008 1:28 pm US/Eastern
Virtual Dr. Visits A Growing Trend In Healthcare
(WBZ)
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Jennifer Rodriguez says her schedule is hectic and without the convenience of virtual visits to her doctor, she would probably be less healthy.
CBS
Jennifer Rodriguez is always jugging her schedule and that can make it difficult to schedule a doctor's appointment. Now when she's feeling under the weather or has a simple question, she makes a virtual visit. All she does is log on, answer some questions about her symptoms, and then wait to hear back.
"It's very convenient for me," Rodriguez said. "I can log in from home. I can log in from work."
"I'm online all day," said Dr. Ann Mai. "So usually within one or two hours I get in touch with the patient and then decide whether they need to come in or continue the web visit, and then prescribe if necessary, or refer somewhere if necessary."
It's projected that one in five office visits could be eliminated through online communication. Some big insurance companies, including Aetna and Cigna, are reimbursing doctors for so called 'E-exams" or E-visits". This is a trend that could be catching on. The insurance industry is working with physicians groups to come up with a way that doctors can provide these online services, but at a lesser cost than a traditional office visit.
The American Academy of Family Physicians supports the idea, but stresses that only non-urgent medical issues can be handled in this manner. E-visits are best suited for patients with easy to diagnose situations, or who need simple follow up care.
There are limitations, according to Dr. James King of the American Academy of Family Physicians. "Sometimes it's just having you in the room so that we can carry on a dialogue. I can examine you and make sure that there's no problems, and then order appropriate tests that we can only do in the office to make sure you get the right care you need, at the right time."
Jennifer Rodriguez still goes to the doctor for more serious problems, but likes having an online option. "Without the convenience of the E-visit, I would say I would not take as good care of healthy as I currently do."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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