The pandemic is transforming the traditional means of service in business. One specific area undergoing tremendous change that will foreseeably be the new normal is the medical profession. It is not only physical but also mental health services that are delivered in a new way.
While virtual physical medicine has been practiced in rural and remote areas for a while now, it has become not only more acceptable during the virus but preferred by some. People with mobility issues, long travel times for care or not having the ability to take time from work can often be assessed by a medical professional more quickly and easily than waiting for in-person appointments with busy clinicians. One hospital with 1,600 providers has trained nearly all in telemedicine. They have seen their average virtual visits grow from 90 to 2,000 per day during this pandemic. Obviously not all services can be done remotely but many types of ongoing care can be seen and addressed virtually.
Mental telehealth has mushroomed during the virus. People confined to home have found themselves struggling with anxiety and depression but are leery of clinics for fear of infection. Many insurance companies now provide coverage for virtual visits with psychiatrists, psychologists, and certified peer support specialists and some waive co-pays for behavioral health issues. Select virtual group therapy sessions are even free.
Dentists are doing telehealth for consultations, checkups on oral care and referrals to other specialists. There are even possibilities for tele-med technology or tools to carry it further. For dentists, it means fewer cancellations and a more efficient practice.
Outside virus testing from cars has brought drive-through medicine to cancer patients including blood draws or lab work, chemotherapy infusion and cleaning of ports. This avoids possible infection inside hospitals for susceptible cancer patients.
With the convenience and speed of telemedicine and the shortage of medical professionals, telehealth promises to be a bigger part of our new normal.