The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed our lives and the practice of medicine. What is Telemedicine? What does Telemedicine treat? What are the Pros and Cons of Telemedicine? What are Telemedicine benefits? Where do I start? Let’s dig in.
The world is a very different place now. Patients with ongoing pain and dysfunction have limited options as most physician’s offices are closed. Urgent care and emergency rooms are crowded and overwhelmed and pose the risk of viral contamination. The Centeno-Schultz Clinic is here to help. Telemedicine is a great option.
What Is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technology to provide assessments and treatment recommendations between physicians and patients who are in separate locations. One of the benefits of telemedicine is that the process is as simple as Face timing or Skyping with a friend. The consultation can be completed in the comfort of your home, office or favorite location using a cell phone, tablet, or home computer. No additional equipment is required. At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic, the safety of patients is paramount and accordingly, we have expanded our existing telemedicine to include all new patient evaluations and follow-ups. At the time of consultation, we will review the current pain complaints, aggravating and alleviating factors, past medical and surgical history. X-rays, MRI’s and CT’s are able to be reviewed and treatment recommendations can be made.
What does Telemedicine Treat?
At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic, we treat a large number of common orthopedic conditions. The treatments include prolotherapy, PRP and bone marrow concentrate injections. The treatments can be effective nonsurgical alternatives in many cases. Conditions treated include:
Spine
Injuries to the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, radiating arm or leg pain, or Sciatica. If you’ve got back pain before or after surgery, we’ve got your back!
Shoulder
Injuries or degenerative conditions of the shoulder, including rotator cuff and labrum tears, tendon inflammation, and arthritis.
Hip
Injuries or degenerative conditions of the hip including labral tear, bone death, ligament instability, and iliotibial band dysfunction.
Knee
Injuries to the knee including meniscus tear, loss of cartilage, ACL strains and tears, swelling and instability.
Ankle:
Loss of cartilage, restriction in range of motion, tendon and ligament injuries.
Hand
Injuries to the hand, thumb and fingers, tendon and ligament injuries.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Telemedicine?
There are a number of telemedicine benefits that include the following:
Convenience
The inconvenience of scheduling time off work, driving cross-town, finding a parking spot is gone.
Issues with child and elder care are eliminated.
No more waiting room
Time Savings. Telemedicine consultations can be conducted in the privacy of your home, office or favorite place using your cell phone, tablet or home computer.
Immediate Access to Musculoskeletal Expert
At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic, you will have immediate access to a board-certified, fellowship-trained physician who is an expert in Interventional Orthopedics.
No Viral Exposure
Telemedicine eliminates exposure and spread of the COVID-19.
Improves Quality of Care
Telemedicine eliminates many of the distractions of in-office visits and improves the quality of care. In a recent study, telemedicine results in 38% fewer hospital admissions (1).
Improves Patient Engagement
All of us have busy, hectic lives and finding time for our own healthcare is often problematic. Some patients are self-conscious or worry about being judged by others. One of the important Telemedicine Benefits is that Telemedicine eliminates these concerns and barriers to healthcare.
The disadvantages of telemedicine are that you will not be able to interact in person with our vibrant, energetic staff, hear the belly laughs of Dr. Ptits or nibble on our bit size chocolates at check out.
Is Telemedicine Covered by Insurance?
Due to the COVID-10 pandemic, Congress and health insurance companies alike have acknowledged the importance of telemedicine and have approved its use. Patients need access to medical care during these challenging times. Specific coverage will vary amongst insurance companies and your location. Telemedicine has been approved by Medicare. Physicians at the Centeno-Schutz Clinic are now licensed in all 50 states and are available for new patient consultations and followups.
Where Do I Start?
We, meaning my team and I, are here to help. You do not have to suffer from ongoing pain and limitations anymore – no matter where you are in the world. Rather than have your pain and injury progress, please consider a telemedicine consultation. The process is simple.
- email [email protected].
- No internet access? Not a problem. Call 720 943 6990
- No X-rays or MRIs? Not a problem as new patient evaluations and follow up consults do not need imaging.
- No computer? Not a problem as telemedicine can be completed in the comfort of your home on a cell phone or tablet.
An intake form along with a patient self-evaluation video will be sent to you. It is important that you complete the paperwork along with the self-exam as this provides important information for your physician. Upon completion, this information will be sent to your physician for review. Next, you will receive an email with the date and time of your telemedicine appointment along with a link. At the designated time you click the link and the consultation will begin.
In Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc on global health and the practice of medicine. Access to medical care is critical and must be balanced against the risk of viral contamination and spread. Telemedicine benefits include convenience, immediate access to specialists, enhanced quality of care, safety and improved patient engagement. Not treating ongoing pain can result in additional tissue injury, diminished ability to move and dependence on medications including narcotics. The Centeno-Schultz Clinic is here is to help with easy telemedicine options.
1.Pande RL, Morris M, Peters A, Spettell CM, Feifer R, Gillis W. Leveraging remote behavioral health interventions to improve medical outcomes and reduce costs. Am J Manag Care. 2015;21(2):e141-51. [Google Scholar]