The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the relationship between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Understandably, concerns about exposure to the new coronavirus have made people even more reluctant to make appointments to go to the doctor’s office in person. As a result, doctors are increasingly seeking innovative ways to connect with patients without sacrificing quality care.
During the pandemic, telemedicine and telemedicine have become some of the main ways to interact with your doctor.
As long as insurance companies continue to provide reimbursement for virtual visits after the pandemic, this model of care is likely to continue after the COVID-19 crisis subsides.
The concepts of telemedicine and telemedicine are not new. Initially, these terms mainly referred to medical care provided by telephone or radio. But recently their meaning has been greatly expanded.
Telemedicine refers to the diagnosis and treatment of patients through telecommunication technology (including telephone and Internet). It usually takes the form of a video conference between the patient and the doctor.
Telemedicine is a broader category besides clinical care. It includes all aspects of telemedicine services, including:
For a long time, telemedicine has been used in rural areas where people cannot easily get help from medical experts. But before the COVID-19 pandemic, the widespread adoption of telemedicine was hindered by the following issues:
Rheumatologists used to be reluctant to use telemedicine instead of in-person visits because it can prevent physical examinations of the joints. This test is an important part of evaluating people with diseases such as RA.
However, due to the need for more telemedicine during the pandemic, federal health officials have worked hard to remove some of the barriers to telemedicine. This is especially true for licensing and reimbursement issues.
Due to these changes and the need for remote care due to the COVID-19 crisis, more and more rheumatologists are providing remote medical services.
A 2020 Canadian survey of adults with rheumatic diseases (half of whom have RA) found that 44% of adults had attended virtual clinic appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 Rheumatism Patient Survey conducted by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) found that two-thirds of the respondents had made an appointment for rheumatism through telemedicine.
In about half of these cases, people are forced to get virtual care because their doctors did not arrange for in-person visits due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in rheumatology. Studies have shown that the most effective use of telemedicine is to monitor people who have been diagnosed with RA.
A 2020 study of Alaska Natives with RA found that people who receive care in person or through telemedicine have no differences in disease activity or quality of care.
According to the aforementioned Canadian survey, 71% of respondents are satisfied with their online consultation. This shows that most people are satisfied with remote care for RA and other diseases.
In a recent position paper on telemedicine, ACR stated that “it supports telemedicine as a tool that has the potential to increase the use of rheumatism patients and improve the care of rheumatism patients, but it should not replace the necessary face-to-face Assess medically appropriate intervals.”
You should see your doctor in person for any musculoskeletal tests needed to diagnose a new disease or monitor changes in your condition over time.
ACR said in the aforementioned position paper: “Certain disease activity measures, especially those that rely on physical examination results, such as joint count swelling, cannot be easily measured remotely by patients.”
The first thing that RA’s telemedicine visits requires is a way to communicate with the doctor.
For access that requires inspection via video, you will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a microphone, webcam, and teleconferencing software. You also need a good internet connection or Wi-Fi.
For video appointments, your doctor may email you a link to a secure online patient portal, where you can have a live video chat, or you can connect through an application such as:
Before logging in to make an appointment, other steps you can take to prepare for RA telemedicine access include:
In many ways, an RA’s telemedicine visit is similar to an appointment with a doctor in person.
You may also be asked to show your doctor the swelling of your joints through a video, so be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes during the virtual visit.
Depending on your symptoms and the medications you are taking, you may need to arrange a follow-up face-to-face examination with your healthcare provider.
Of course, please be sure to fill out all prescriptions and follow the instructions on drug use. You should also keep up with any physical therapy, just like after a “normal” visit.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become an increasingly popular way to obtain RA care.
Telemedicine access via telephone or the Internet is particularly useful for monitoring RA symptoms.
However, when the doctor needs a physical examination of your joints, bones and muscles, it is still necessary to make a personal visit.
The exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis can be painful and challenging. Learn the tips to avoid explosions, and how to avoid explosions.
Anti-inflammatory foods may help control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Find out the fruit and vegetable seasons throughout the season.
Researchers say that coaches can help RA patients through health apps, telemedicine and other necessities. The result can reduce stress and make the body healthier…
Post time: Feb-25-2021