The Basics of Telehealth Neurology
- Jacob Wisda
- 0
- on Feb 25, 2022
Why Telehealth Neurology is Here to Stay
Mental health and virtual care are a perfect combination. Remote psychiatrists make the most of streamlined workflows and easy prescription management. At the same time, counselors use reliable video conferencing to reach new clients. And now, providers have taken an extra step into telehealth neurology.
At its core, telehealth is more than a medical toolkit. It’s a restructured model of treatment that provides service to patients who need it the most. Although neurological treatments seem too advanced for telehealth, new medical approaches changed that. Whether patients need a diagnosis or long-term treatment, virtual care will help.
Telehealth neurology performs the same function as many psychological and psychiatric treatments. By studying the mind and offering targeted care, clinics improve a patient’s quality of life. And to make that process simple, Beam is here to help. By breaking down neurological care, we’ll show why providers should embrace virtual neurology.
How Does Telehealth Neurology Work?
Most neurological telehealth sessions will play out like a regular video conference[1]. Patients can schedule appointments for a diagnosis, treatment, or change to their healthcare. Even at a distance, providers can review and share relevant medical information.
But neurological conditions demand a few adjustments. Mental healthcare usually involves counseling or medication. Neurological treatment, by contrast, takes motor skills into account. Practices may ask clients to show off their reflexes and balance during a checkup.
Home telemedicine kits are often involved, as well. If a practice wants to check the patient’s pulse or blood pressure, home kits allow them to do so. Based on their findings, providers decide the next steps. Whether this means more testing or a trip to their clinic varies by session.
What Conditions Can Be Treated?
Many neurological conditions overlap with other forms of mental healthcare. In some cases, counselors and psychiatrists can help manage certain symptoms. Bu committing to long-term treatment means hiring a neurological expert. And in these cases, telehealth platforms can improve the quality of care.
Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common diagnoses telehealth neurologists face. Because this condition requires frequent patient monitoring, telehealth platforms allow open communication. Additionally, providers can discuss blood tests and liver checkup results through video chat. When patient monitoring is essential, virtual healthcare ensures quick access to help.
Epilepsy treatment also benefits from telehealth services. Over 70% of patients can manage their symptoms with the right medication [2]. Since telehealth platforms simplify prescription management, finding the right dose is straightforward. Virtual care also keeps the door open to discuss side effects and prescription changes.
Finally, telehealth neurology can do a lot to help manage Parkinson’s disease. You can conduct a basic motor function test during a video conference. Providers can also discuss changes to diet, exercise, and symptoms during these sessions. Clinics can also prescribe and monitor the effects of dopamine agonist treatment.
Providers that treat these conditions can do so more easily with telehealth tools. At the same time, practices need to remember that virtual healthcare has limitations. Each of these conditions requires some in-person intervention. Telehealth neurology should embrace walk-in care for certain tests and emergency intervention.
Benefits to Patients and Providers
Since telehealth can’t manage neurological conditions by itself, some patients debate its value. Despite that, telehealth neurology’s worth still shines through. Publications like Neurology Today cite telemedicine as a great way to deliver care. Furthermore, telehealth patients report high satisfaction with their treatment [3].
The preference for telehealth often comes down to convenience. 50% percent of neurological patients are unable to drive. And those who can need to take time out of their schedule to account for travel. By cutting transport out of the equation, telehealth gives easy access to treatment.
Flexible scheduling is another important factor to consider. Patients and practices have constraints on when they can meet for a video conference. Because anyone can use telehealth from home or on the go, finding a time to meet is simplified.
Finally, telehealth neurology is usually more affordable than walk-in care. Most states require that insurance companies cover telehealth visits as they would in-person care. On top of that, the average virtual session costs less than a walk-in appointment. Take these facts together, and costly neurological treatments become much more affordable.
These small benefits lead to an improved quality of treatment. By reducing barriers to care, telehealth neurology has a greater level of patient retention. For patients, continued treatment curbs their symptoms and improves their quality of life. No matter how you slice it, telehealth offers more consistency than in-person treatment.
Like with all forms of mental healthcare, you can approach telehealth neurology from different angles. Bure regardless of what you choose, your neurological care could save lives. So, to do our part, Beam is here to offer support. We provide one year of free access to our all-in-one platform to qualifying clinics. Click here to learn more.
Sources:
[2] https://chironhealth.com/telemedicine/providers/neurology/