In recent years, telehealth has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, especially in specialties like rheumatology. With only about 3500 rheumatology specialists across the United States, but almost 60 million people with arthritis and many others suffering from autoimmune diseases, finding a solution to this disparity is crucial. This blog explores the benefits of telehealth in rheumatology, the impact of virtual consultations, and my efforts as a physician in pioneering telemedicine in the field of rheumatology.
A Patient in Need of Rheumatology Care Now
One day, I received a phone call from the wife of a patient located in Florida. To respect his privacy, let’s call him Alex. Alex was a 32-year-old veteran who had been recently evaluated for joint pain in his hands. His primary care physician had ordered some tests, and his ANA (antinuclear antibody test) came back positive. Through a simple Google search, Alex discovered the possibility of suffering from a severe autoimmune disease called lupus. However, his struggle began when he realized he couldn’t get an appointment to be seen by a rheumatology specialist in his area, even within a 100-mile radius for the next 6 months. Sitting in front of his computer, perplexed that he couldn’t find a physician to see him, he was stressed and disappointed.
His wife had a brilliant idea to look for an online rheumatologist who could offer him a virtual consultation. They called my office, and to their surprise, they were able to book a consultation the very next day. Remember, as a physician located in California, I was able to evaluate his im Florida. For those that do not know, physicians can now have multiple medical licenses in many US states and I have a total of 8 active medical licences.
Not only did Alex receive his consultation and we started the path towards a proper diagnosis, but we were also able to optimize his costs for his laboratory tests, imaging, and later, we were able to find resources to get his medications at an even lower cost than he would have paid through his health insurance.
A Rheumatologist That Breaks Barriers via Telehealth in Rheumatology
If we are all comfortable using online services from banking to shopping and entertainment, why not use telehealth (or telemedicine) to get a medical consultation? That seemed impossible before the COVID-19 pandemic, but now many things have changed, and we are ready to accept telemedicine and the option of having a virtual consultation with so much ease. Telehealth has revolutionized rheumatology care by bridging geographical gaps and improving access to specialized services. Patients can now schedule virtual consultations at their convenience, eliminating the need for travel and time off work. When I started to build my practice, a direct-care model looked to me the common sense, a necessity, but also a responsibility to help the patients and never burn them financially. The direct specialty care model is, in many ways, a concierge model that helps patients get what they need: personalized care and unhurried consultations, but also rebuild trust and genuine relationships with patients.
Advantages of Telehealth in Rheumatology
Telehealth offers several advantages, including time efficiency, cost savings, and improved patient experience. Patients no longer face the stress of rushed appointments or financial uncertainties. With telemedicine, rheumatologists can provide expert care to a broader patient population, from metropolitan areas to the most underserved areas, improving outcomes and the quality of life of patients.
Rheumatologist OnCall: Pioneering Telehealth Excellence
Rheumatologist OnCall was the first telehealth specialized company to provide services to people with arthritis and autoimmune diseases since 2019. We have been at the forefront of telehealth in rheumatology, offering patients access to expert care from the comfort of their homes. As a physician, my commitment to patient-centric care and transparent pricing has set a new standard for telehealth excellence. Gradually, patients found out about our services, and they have been helped when they needed it most, not in 6 months. We have never placed barriers, accepting everyone with or without health insurance, without discrimination. We have never asked for referrals and opened the door for patients to have excellent access to rheumatology care and top expertise. We have fought to overcome all the barriers of traditional healthcare, from offering transparent pricing, affordable care, and access to patients in time.
Conclusion
Telehealth has revolutionized rheumatology care, offering patients convenience, affordability, and personalized attention. The direct specialty care model adopted by Rheumatologist OnCall has transformed the way patients receive care, setting a new standard for telehealth excellence in rheumatology. Read our Google reviews if you want to convince yourself!
FAQs
How does telehealth improve access to rheumatology care?
Telehealth eliminates geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialized care from anywhere. This improves access for patients who may not have local rheumatology services.
What are the advantages of virtual consultations in rheumatology?
Virtual consultations save time and money for patients, as they no longer need to travel for appointments. They also offer greater convenience, allowing patients to schedule appointments around their busy schedules.
How has Rheumatologist OnCall revolutionized telehealth in rheumatology?
Rheumatologist OnCall has made expert rheumatology care more accessible and affordable through telehealth. The platform allows patients to connect with rheumatologists for virtual consultations, improving access to care for those with arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
What role does telehealth play in rebuilding trust between patients and physicians?
Telehealth allows for more personalized and unhurried consultations, which can help to rebuild trust between patients and physicians. Patients appreciate the convenience and accessibility of telehealth, leading to improved patient-physician relationships.
How can patients benefit from Dr. Girnita’s direct-care model in telehealth?
Dr. Girnita’s direct-care model focuses on personalized care and unhurried consultations, which can lead to better outcomes for patients. Patients appreciate the individualized attention and transparency in pricing that Dr. Girnita’s model offers.
