Telemedicine: it’s a new go-to approach many of us have been adapting to, and some of us may be newly using this option soon as a safe alternative when office appointments are not the most ideal choice due to concerns of the current pandemic.
Dr. Harriet Comite, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Advanced Skin Care Laser & Non-Invasive Body Contouring Center in Wyomissing, offers her insights.
Dermatology by nature is most effectively practiced with office-based examinations. While surgical and cosmetic procedures can’t be done remotely, telehealth can be used to visually evaluate patients’ skin conditions and determine the best treatment options. Telemedicine is also useful for prescription evaluations and the recommendations of physician-strength private-labeled skincare products, which can be shipped by Dr. Comite to the homes of her patients.
To prepare for a telehealth visit, “Patients must have the appropriate technology, i.e. smartphone, tablet or computer,” she says. “And they should be in a location affording them privacy, without background distractions — noise-free and with proper lighting. Also, all necessary patient documentation, including consent forms, laboratory work and other relevant test results, must be done and provided prior to the telemedicine visit.”
She adds, “Patients should have all of their medications, supplements, skin care products, etc. with them at the time of the telemedicine visit. Lastly, it is extremely important that immune-compromised patients exercise extreme caution during this pandemic. For these patients, at this time, telemedicine is an essential method of receiving vital healthcare.”
Dr. Comite uses doctor.com’s Virtual Visit program. During the mandatory office closing, when the need for remote appointments became so critical, doctor.com reported Dr. Comite was its top telemedicine user in the field of dermatology.
Dr. Kenneth McAlpine is an orthopedic surgeon with the Bone & Joint Care Center in West Reading, based in the doctor's office building of Tower Health at Reading Hospital. In addition to utilizing telemedicine much more than in the year prior, he also notes that former in-person pre-surgical joint replacement classes for patients are hosted virtually.
The main telemedicine platform his office uses, built to protect patients’ privacy, is part of the electronic medical records system used by Tower Health, available through Wi-Fi-connected devices. “But we also understand if patients either don't know how to use the technology or don't have access to it,” he explains, “so we have talks with patients about if they want to use other options, noting that these programs are not officially licensed through the federal laws restricting release of medical information — but to still help them to have their visit.”
FaceTime, Zoom and join.me are some of the alternatives used, but the one tied to their records system is always recommended. Speaking by phone is another route.
Of course, certain types of appointments must be in-person, but extra precautionary practices are built into visits, as is limited exposure to other patients.
“And we now offer at-home paramedicine visits where patients’ vital signs, EKGs and lab work can be done all in the safety of their own home through an emergency services technician,” he adds. “Our goal is to treat our patients like our family,” Dr. McAlpine reflects, “so that they are the most comfortable they can be with their care.”
