Telemedicine what specialties can use it?

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Although telemedicine is already used in several countries, in Brazil it was only released in March 2020, due to the new coronavirus pandemic.

According to an article published in the Agência Brasil, in a letter published in April this year, the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB) stated that "it believes that the incorporation of new technologies into medicine is a path of no return and that this advance can be very positive, provided that disciplined by responsible guidelines, with a focus on strengthening the doctor-patient relationship ".

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The first information on the use of telemedicine happened in Europe, during the Middle Ages. From the 19th century, with the creation of the telegraph and telegraphy, the use of remote medicine increased significantly, allowing the sending of radiographic reports between different locations.

In Brazil, telemedicine has been talked about for a long time, and its emergence in the country occurred in 2002, with the sole intention of patients being guided by doctors. However, due to the pandemic, it was exceptionally released for consultations.

Resolution No. 2,227 / 18, of the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), defines telemedicine as the exercise of medicine, mediated by technologies for assistance, education, research, disease prevention, injuries, and health promotion.

What are the modalities of distance service?

Resolution No. 2,227 / 18, of the CFM, also establishes that telemedicine can be synchronous (when performed in real-time) or asynchronous (offline service), indicating a series of possibilities for remote services, such as teleconsultation, telediagnosis, telesurgery, tele-triaging, tele-orientation, teleconsulting and telemonitoring. Here is the difference between them:

  • Teleconsultation: or telehealth, it is the remote medical consultation, where health professionals and patients are in different locations. - Teleconsultation is mediated by technologies, such as medical software, such as Ninsaúde Apolo. Teleconsultation implies, as a mandatory premise, the previous establishment of a face-to-face relationship between doctor and patient, however, in times of pandemic, this is not necessary.
  • Telediagnosis: is the transmission of graphics, images, and data for the issuance of a report or opinion by a physician with a Qualification Record of Specialist in the area related to the procedure.
  • Telesurgery: is defined as the performance of a remote surgical procedure, mediated by safe interactive technologies, with an executing physician and robotic equipment in different physical spaces. In addition to the remote surgeon, a local specialist must accompany the procedure to perform, if necessary, instrumental manipulation.
  • Teletriaging: it is the act performed remotely by a doctor to assess symptoms, and then direct the patient to the appropriate type of assistance.
  • Teleorientation: is defined as the remote filling out by the doctor of a health declaration for hiring or adhering to a private health care plan.
  • Teleconsulting: it is the act of consultancy mediated by technology between doctors and managers, professionals, and workers in the health area, to clarify doubts about procedures, health actions, and issues related to the work process.
  • Telemonitoring: according to the resolution, it is the action performed under medical guidance and supervision for remote monitoring of health or disease parameters, through direct acquisition of images, signals, and data from equipment or devices aggregated or implantable in the patient.

Also, check out our other articles on telemedicine:

But after all, for which specialties is telemedicine valid?

In reality, telemedicine is valid for all specialties. There are no restrictions on its use concerning specialties, what is important to evaluate is how this tool is used.  Contrary to what many people think, even health professionals in areas such as dermatology, for example, where consultations are more visual, may use telemedicine.

A very clear example of the success that has been the use of telemedicine in Brazil, is Dr. João Paulo Junqueira, client and user of Ninsaúde Apolo. Dr. João participated in an article carried out by Rede Bandeirantes, where he states that for every 4 consultations carried out in the last two months, 1 was through video call, that is, 25% of the patients. The dermatologist says:

"The system brings security to me, that I can have less contact with other people and solve many things at a distance, and security for the patient, who doesn't need to circulate".

To check the full article with the participation of Dr. João, just watch the video below:

Now that you know the benefits of telemedicine, how about starting to use it to your advantage?

If you are not yet a Ninsaúde Apolo customer, contact us by filling out the form on our sales website, and request a demonstration.

Source: Agencia Brasil