4 Habits That Support Strong Healthy Shoulder Joints
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When Telemedicine Might Be the Best Option for You
Telemedicine enables you to quickly and conveniently connect with your provider to have continued access to top-quality orthopedic care, no matter where you are. Reliable video chats and secure text messaging keep you connected on any device.
With virtual waiting rooms and the ability to send and receive documents, telemedicine keeps you connected so you don't miss important appointments, and can continue to receive the orthopedic care you need.
Board-certified orthopedic shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, Matthew Pifer, MD, wants patients to have access to the best quality orthopedic care. While some situations require an in-person appointment, such as when a physical exam or imaging tests are needed, you can access many orthopedic services through telemedicine.
In this post, our experts discuss the many benefits of telemedicine, and how you can take advantage of the latest advancements in technology to stay connected to top-quality orthopedic care.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is the use of technology to access health care. This is done using computers, cell phones, and other mobile devices. All you need is an Internet connection and you can use your device to access health care. Keep reading to learn when telemedicine may be the best choice.
When you’re recovering from surgery
Recovering from an orthopedic surgery such as a torn rotator cuff requires time, patience, and dedication to physical therapy. The ability to check in with your provider using telemedicine means you can continue accessing care as you recover in the comfort of your home. While you may need an in-person appointment for follow-up imaging tests, you can access other follow-up services using telemedicine.
When you're injured
Injuries can have a major impact on your mobility, and make it less convenient to get around. If you're dealing with an injury, you can schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Pifer through telemedicine. After an in-person appointment for a physical examination and imaging, you can schedule some of your follow-up appointments via telemedicine.
For example, you can schedule a telemedicine appointment to receive and discuss the results of your imaging scans. You can also schedule a telemedicine visit with Dr. Pifer to discuss an appropriate treatment plan for moving forward. Dr. Pifer can also send prescription medication to your preferred pharmacy and check in on your progress using telemedicine.
When you aren't feeling well
The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for enhanced measures to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. When you aren't feeling, well it's important for you to stay home and practice self-care. If you need orthopedic care, you can get the care you need while staying home and staying safe.
In the event that you must stay home, it’s comforting to know that you can continue to access orthopedic care using telemedicine. You can talk to Dr. Pifer live, send and receive messages, discuss treatment, and remotely share your progress while staying home and practicing social distancing.
When you have a scheduling conflict
Sometimes a busy schedule may make it difficult to attend an in-person appointment. If you encounter scheduling conflicts you can always schedule a telemedicine appointment. Doing so means that you can access care even on the tightest of schedules from your office, home, or between other appointments. Because you won't need to travel for your appointment, you’ll save time, which makes it more flexible for your busy schedule.
Telemedicine gives you access to the same level of care you would receive in our office at an in-person appointment. Save time and travel while accessing care from the comfort of your home or office. To get started, call our Santa Barbara office at 805-967-9311 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pifer or book your request online.
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