During the 19th and 20th centuries, the medical community was focused on providing comprehensive health care the only way it knew how: through grassroots efforts. Physicians visited patients within their tight-knit communities to provide care and follow-up treatment. However, as corporations began to emerge, privatization set in and changed medicine forever. Gone were the days of the house call; ushered in were HMOs and high insurance premiums. Soon, many Americans found that they were unable to pay for medical care, let alone health insurance.
As a business model, this would also prove a huge financial nail in the coffin for conventional medicine. Some doctors have taken to aggregating their talents across new platforms such as concierge medicine or medical marijuana dispensaries. Physicians have also complained about their ability to practice their type of medicine. That is, they miss the ability to connect with the people en masse with a traditional nod toward personalized care. Thankfully, with the advent of telemedicine, medical, psychiatric and other health care professionals can liaise with patients easily through the use of technology (such as new media).
The Industry, at a Glance
Interactive telemedicine has gained a large number of proponents due to its mutually beneficial qualities. Through real-time interactions between patient and practitioner, intakes, examinations and even psychiatric evaluations can now be administered via webcam applications, the telephone, as well as Skype. Patients with transportation or financial issues are now able to schedule sessions with their doctor of choice, minus the logistical headaches associated with an in-office visit. For the medical professional, telemedicine also cuts down on overhead costs like office staff and maintenance.
There are a number of companies and organizations that are determined to bring telemedicine to the public. NuPhysicia, a Texas-based business, evolved from methods developed by the University of Texas. Since its inception, the company has provided a number of telemedicine services to hundreds of thousands of customers all over the world. They deliver care anytime and anywhere, which allows the patient power in terms of individualized care.
Some doctors have managed to launch their own services. Los Angeles physician Dr. Armand Dorian has developed an iPod and iPad app called Instant Medicine. For 99 cents, users can download the application which is a series of videos that helps determine medical symptoms. Instant Medicine does not provide medical diagnosis, but instead, allows patients to determine whether or not further care is needed.
While telemedicine is still a burgeoning technology, professionals in the United States and abroad are determined to see that its benefits are not only investigated but implemented to the satisfaction of both doctor and patient.
