Tips for Seeing Patients via Telemedicine

Telemedicine is a technology that permits patients to be seen at a distance. This review describes different types of telemedicine, why they might be useful for a practice, what equipment is needed, and how to select and schedule patients.

The use of synchronous telemedicine is increasing rapidly and has surpassed 50% of ambulatory encounters in some instances. Management of patients is particularly germane for an allergy practice since it is an outpatient specialty with patients who live in widely distributed locations with limited access to allergists. With utilization of digital exam equipment, in vitro tests for diagnosis, and spirometry at the patient location, there are few clear advantages of seeing patients in-person over virtual visits. Telemedicine is here today. As its use increases, it is critical that allergy specialists embrace this new technology.