Perks of Telemedicine
What are the perks of Telemedicine?
Telemedicine, which involves the diagnosis & treatment of patients virtually via phone or video conference, has become increasingly popular across Asia.
Why is it so popular? What are the benefits?
Demand - one of the main reasons for telemedicine growth is due to current healthcare systems not being able to meet the growing demand for services [1].
By 2025, the total medical expenditure in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, & Vietnam is expected to reach $740 billion (an increase in $320 billion since 2017 [1].)
Most countries are also dealing with a shortage of doctors. For every 1,000 people, there are only 0.20 physicians in Indonesia, 0.47 in Thailand, & 0.56 in Myanmar (compared to 4.19 in Germany & 2.56 in the U.S.) [1].
Unlike going to the clinic & visiting the GP directly, telemedicine offers many perks to the patient:
Faster
Given the efficiency associated with telemedicine, doctors & specialists tend to be more accessible so you can speak to them more quickly [1]. Time is also saved by not having to commute to the clinic or sit in a waiting room [2].
Cheaper
Research shows people who use telemedicine spend less time in the hospital, which reduces overall health costs. Not having to travel to visit the doctor can save money as well (Commute costs, childcare, time off work, etc.) [3].
Convenient & Flexible
Unlike in a clinic, care under telemedicine is received in the comfort & privacy of your own home [3]!
Prevents Spread of Illness
By not travelling to the clinic, you avoid having to be surrounded by other sick patients, which puts you at less risk of catching another, potentially more serious infection [3].
Better Access & Overall Care
Telemedicine makes it easier for those who are disabled, elderly, or living in remote areas to access care.
It also makes it simpler for people to access and make time for preventive care, which improves long-term health [3].
Given all of these benefits, it’s no surprise that telemedicine has become even more popular in recent months with the rise of COVID-19.
Ping An Good Doctor in China had a 900% increase in new users in January 2020 compared to December 2019 [4].
MyDoc in Singapore also saw the number of daily active users increasing by 60% in February 2020, & more than double again in March [4].
Interested in telemedicine? Try out the service in Pulse today!
References:
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Telehealth apps rise in Southeast Asia due to doctor scarcity [Internet]. Nikkei Asian Review. 2018 [cited 4 June 2020]. Available from: https://www.solidiance.com/insights/news/telehealth-apps-rise-in-southeast-asia-due-to-doctor-scarcity/download
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Heger E. Benefits of telemedicine: How remote access to care can help you [Internet]. Insider. 2020 [cited 5 June 2020]. Available from: https://www.insider.com/benefits-of-telemedicine
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Villines Z. Telemedicine benefits: For patients & professionals [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2020 [cited 4 June 2020]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/telemedicine-benefits
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Kapur V, Boulton A. Covid-19 Accelerates the Adoption of Telemedicine in Asia-Pacific Countries [Internet]. Bain & Company. 2020 [cited 4 June 2020]. Available from: https://www.bain.com/insights/covid-19-accelerates-the-adoption-of-telemedicine-in-asia-pacific-countries/