Once a fanciful idea, telemedicine is now an established part of our daily lives. The ability to interact virtually but in real time with your doctor was on the rise during the early 2000s, but it became established with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. It transcends both distance and practice type, offering patients new solutions to accessing necessary and affordable health care.
At Umbrella HealthCare, Dr. John Lewis and his staff offer both in-person and telemedicine services for their patients in the Phoenix, Arizona, area. They understand that telemedicine is uniquely suited for their patient population, which is why they want to direct you to the many advantages of the service.
A brief history of telemedicine
Telemedicine got its start in the 1940s in Pennsylvania, where doctors sent radiology images 24 miles between two townships using a telephone line. This was the first example of an electronic medical record transfer. In the 1950s, a Canadian doctor built upon this technology to form a teleradiology system used in and around Montreal.
With the development of modern film technology came serious plans for video medicine. In 1959, doctors at the University of Nebraska used video communication to transmit information to medical students on the other side of the campus. Five years later, they linked with a state hospital to perform video consultations.
In 1967, the University of Miami School of Medicine partnered with the local fire department, sending EKGs over the radio to Jackson Memorial Hospital while in rescue situations. As technology developed, new and more widespread uses for virtual health services made their way into everyday situations.
What is psych telemedicine?
Telemedicine allows you to access psychiatric services without needing to come into the Umbrella HealthCare office. A telemedicine consultation is just like a face-to-face meeting, only you access the appointment using your computer, tablet, or phone with our secure video conferencing connection.
The video conferencing technology we use works in the same way as apps like Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom, which you’re probably already using, so you shouldn’t have any problems interacting with it.
You use psych telemedicine for the same reasons you’d make an in-person visit to Umbrella HealthCare:
- Counseling and talk therapy
- Mental health evaluations
- Medication therapy management
- Prescribing medications
You don’t need to do anything to prepare for a telemedicine appointment other than sign into the video link at the scheduled time. The session proceeds just as if you were in the room with your provider.
5 advantages of psych telemedicine services
Psych telemedicine services provide a number of benefits for our patients. Here are five to get you started.
1. It’s convenient
Instead of running across town, battling traffic, or wondering if the train will come on time, you simply sit down at your device at your appointment time, and we begin. You save time and a great deal of hassle in the process.
2. It saves you money
You don’t have to spend on gas or pay for child care with telemedicine services. You can log in from home or a private place at work — anywhere you have an internet connection.
3. It fits into your schedule
You can schedule your telemedicine visit whenever is convenient for you — no need to take off work or cancel other plans. As long as our office is open, we can fit you in.
4. It’s private
Many people struggling with mental health problems also struggle with social interactions, and sitting in a crowded waiting room can be quite the challenge. With a psych telemedicine appointment, the only person you need to interact with is your therapist.
5. It’s secure
The pervasiveness of and easy access to the internet may make you wonder how secure your personal data will be if you opt for a telemedicine appointment. However, there’s no need to worry. Umbrella HealthCare’s platform complies with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations, meaning we have strict security measures in place to ensure the confidentiality and security of your personal health information.
If you’re looking for mental health care services, we strongly recommend you contact Umbrella HealthCare to set up a telemedicine consultation with one of our providers. Give our office a call at 623-242-1389, or book online with us today.