4 Habits That Support Strong Healthy Shoulder Joints
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How Does Telemedicine Work?
With the help of technology, orthopedic patients can access high-quality care from any location. While some services, like physical exams, require an in-person visit, you can access many others conveniently through telemedicine.
Board-certified orthopedic and shoulder surgeon Matthew Pifer, MD, offers telemedicine visits in addition to in-person visits to make orthopedic care more convenient and accessible. Read on to learn more about the benefits of telemedicine.
What is telemedicine?
Telemedicine is a simple, yet powerful way to use technology to access medical care. To use telemedicine, you simply connect the device of your choice, such as a mobile phone, desktop computer, laptop computer, or other internet-connected mobile device to our services. You can access your patient portal or take part in a video or voice appointment.
You get the same excellent care via telemedicine as you do when you come see us in person.
How telemedicine works
Telemedicine allows you to talk to a health care professional about your symptoms, health issues, and other concerns in real time, from the comfort of your own home. Through telemedicine, you can receive a diagnosis, find out about your available treatment options, and receive top-quality care.
For instance, if you have neck or back pain, Dr. Pifer can assess your condition via telemedicine and recommend physical therapy, prescribe medication, or schedule a procedure like a steroid injection. Telemedicine can be a much more practical option to get you the care you need if an in-person assessment and in-office treatment aren't necessary.
Telemedicine makes orthopedic care more accessible
You can use telemedicine to receive care for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Telemedicine makes care more accessible, especially for orthopedic patients who are frequently in pain or have mobility problems.
When you’re in pain or have an injury, travel is often challenging. With telemedicine, you can quickly and easily access care from your home, workplace, or other location, and you’re less likely to forget or need to reschedule a follow-up appointment.
Telemedicine has made it possible for many patients to receive excellent orthopedic care without leaving home.
Telemedicine is convenient
Traveling to see a doctor may require taking time off work, arranging care for your children, or rearranging your schedule. In some circumstances, like when it’s raining heavily, traveling to a doctor’s appointment can present a major inconvenience.
Telemedicine makes getting orthopedic care convenient. You can receive diagnoses via a telemedicine appointment online and have prescriptions delivered to a nearby pharmacy.
How to prepare for your telemedicine visit
Getting ready for your telemedicine orthopedic visit is essential to a productive consultation with Dr. Pifer. You should get in touch with our office and inquire about telehealth services before scheduling a visit.
You can do the following things to get ready for your telehealth appointment:
- Keep a list of your prescriptions and their dosages close at hand.
- Prepare to discuss your medical background.
- Ensure that you have a good internet connection.
- Make sure the camera and microphone are connected and functioning.
- Wear loose clothing that can show the area of your body that needs care.
- Choose a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
- Have a notebook to take notes during your visit.
You can ensure that you receive the best care from Dr. Pifer by preparing for your telemedicine appointment ahead of time.
Telemedicine is a helpful, practical addition to your general orthopedic care. To get started, contact our Santa Barbara, California office to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment.
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