Benefits and risks of incorporating virtual visits into an allergy/immunology practice.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2020

Identifier

DOI: 10.2500/aap.2020.41.190022

Abstract

Telemedicine (TM) involves the use of technology to overcome the patient care barriers of distance and time. Asynchronous TM can be used to monitor patients remotely and for providers and patients to communicate with each other without needing to be online at the same time. Synchronous TM can include direct-to-consumer visits in which patients use their own equipment to communicate with a provider or facilitated visits in which a patient travels to a clinic to use the clinic's equipment with a facilitator. The advantage of the latter is that a physical examination can be performed. Although some patients and providers may prefer in-person visits, patients who are seen by TM report satisfaction that it is as good as or better than that of an in-person visit. TM can be used in the outpatient setting, in the hospital to perform consults, or in the school. The convenience of TM makes it likely that more patients will adopt TM as their preferred mode of obtaining health care. It is important for allergists to become familiar with this new technology because patients will demand it.

Journal Title

Allergy and asthma proceedings : the official journal of regional and state allergy societies

Volume

41

Issue

2

First Page

76

Last Page

81

MeSH Keywords

Allergists; Allergy and Immunology; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Monitoring, Physiologic; Patient Satisfaction; Remote Consultation; Telemedicine

Keywords

Allergists; Allergy and Immunology; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Monitoring, Physiologic; Patient Satisfaction; Remote Consultation; Telemedicine

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