Can Telemedicine Meet the Needs of All Patients?

Telemedicine makes it easy to see your primary care doctor or another medical professional from the comfort of your home, office, or wherever you happen to be. All you need is an internet connection and an electronic device, such as a tablet, smartphone, or computer.

Telemedicine used to be less common, but ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, more Americans are embracing it. Because of this trend, you’ve probably wondered if it’s right for you.

At OG Health in Greenwood Village, Colorado, concierge medicine physician Oswaldo "Ozzie" A. Grenardo, MD, MBA, MSHA, FAAFP, offers telemedicine to his patients.

To help you make the right decision, he’s written this blog. It highlights the benefits of telemedicine, explains when this approach works best, and when an in-person visit may make more sense.

When telemedicine works best

Telemedicine is an easy and effective way to get healthcare exactly when you need it. Since you don’t have to visit the doctor’s office, you can stay home if you’re feeling sick or ask questions that need prompt answers without having to wait weeks for an in-person visit.

The convenience of telemedicine makes it a great option for:

Chronic disease management
Mental health appointments
Medication refills
Treatment adjustments
Treatment of acute illnesses, allergies, and skin conditions

Telemedicine can also streamline care coordination. If you need a referral to a specialist, Dr. Ozzie can typically make it happen without you visiting our office.

Limitations of virtual care

Despite its convenience, telemedicine isn’t always the right solution. Here are a few scenarios where an in-person visit may make more sense:

Complex medical conditions

Certain medical conditions and injuries, such as heart disease and broken bones, require in-person testing and analysis. Dr. Ozzie might be able to make a general assessment via telemedicine, but without laboratory testing or diagnostic imaging, he won’t have the necessary information to develop a treatment plan.

Technological barriers

Most modern telemedicine platforms are intuitive and easy to use, but not everyone feels confident using web-connected technology. If activities like texting or taking pictures on a smartphone drive you crazy, telemedicine may add unnecessary stress.

Emergency care

Emergencies such as heart attack and stroke, or traumatic injuries like a fall, require immediate treatment. Telemedicine isn’t appropriate in these situations, so call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.

The importance of a hybrid approach

As you can see, telemedicine is great for some things and not so great for others. That’s why Dr. Ozzie typically recommends a hybrid approach.

For example, if you keep experiencing joint pain that interferes with your mobility, make an in-person appointment. After determining the source of your discomfort, Dr. Ozzie can make treatment recommendations and then monitor your progress through routine telemedicine appointments. This balanced approach provides comprehensive support without skipping over important details.

Alternatively, if you simply need to refill a prescription medication or get referred to a specialist, telemedicine alone may serve your needs.

If you have questions about which option is right for you, get in touch. We’ll be happy to make recommendations based on your personal situation.

We offer telemedicine and in-person appointments

No two people have the exact same medical needs. Whether you want to schedule a telemedicine appointment or see Dr. Ozzie in person, we’re here to help.

To get started, contact us by calling our Greenwood Village, Colorado, office at 303-625-7976 or book your appointment online today.