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Prenatal care (or antenatal care), remains one of the most accessed preventive health services in the United States. Accessed by 4 million women yearly, the COVID-19 pandemic has made healthcare less accessible and unsafe for both healthcare providers and patients.
In the U.S., patients with low-risk pregnancies are expected to have 12 to 14 office-based visits. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it increasingly difficult for pregnant women to meet up with the recommended visits. Hence, the shift to telemedicine.
Telemedicine is a relatively new approach to prenatal care. However, through telemedicine, pregnant women can access several healthcare services including certain emergency services, specialist consultations, and psychotherapy.
Below are the benefits of telemedicine to both patients and their healthcare providers.
The following are advantages of telemedicine in prenatal care for patients and providers.
Improves access to care
Telemedicine makes you gain access to care while bypassing the time and distance it usually takes for an in-person visit.
With telemedicine, you do not need a day off for a 15 to 60-minute appointment. Likewise, patients with disabilities, those geographically isolated, or with one ailment or the other can easily get care from wherever they are.
Telemedicine helps you save costs from transportation, consultation, childcare, and time spent in the hospital. You can attend your appointment with a doctor from anywhere, including your home and workplace.
Research shows that using telemedicine helps save up to 30% from healthcare costs.
An in-person prenatal care appointment means you get in close contact with people who may be sick.
Pregnant women may be particularly susceptible to COVID-19, as they are more susceptible to respiratory pathogens. They made also be prone to other infections as the immune system undergoes several changes during pregnancy to accommodate mother and child.
With telemedicine, there is reduced risk and spread of infection, especially for pregnant women with underlying conditions or weak immune systems.
Improved access makes it easier for doctors to provide care to their patients. Patients and healthcare providers can easily connect via a voice or video call.
Telemedicine bypasses the somewhat tensed atmosphere of a doctor's office. Patients can relax in a more familiar environment and discuss their symptoms and concerns. This helps improve the care provided.
Additionally, research shows that telemedicine helped provide equal or better care to women with high-risk pregnancies.
Telemedicine allows you to book and have a visit from the comfort of your home or anywhere you may be.
It cuts off the need to leave your home or workplace, arrange childcare, take some time off work, drive through traffic or get a bus or cab to access care.
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Telemedicine helps providers cut down on overhead expenses such as paying for a big office space or facility, front desk support, etc.
Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to care for more patients outside of the hospital. Hence, telemedicine may serve as an additional stream of income.
Telemedicine eliminates physical or close contact with several patients. Hence, providers are less exposed to illnesses and infections.
Patients experience greater satisfaction with care rendered via telemedicine visits. Reasons include being able to involve their families, improved access to and delivery of care, lower costs, and at their convenience.
Doctors also appreciated that they were able to spend more time with their patients, and at their time. They could also give follow-up calls.
Study shows that telemedicine visits helped improve health outcomes. These included patients quitting smoking and gaining access to necessary high-risk obstetrical services.
You may enjoy the advantages of telemedicine with My Virtual Physician. At My Virtual Physician, our team is committed to ensuring that patients get the best of health care as needed.
We provide virtual care at any point in your pregnancy while you await your appointment with your local OB doctor. We are in network with many insurance health plans including Medicaid, Medicare, United HealthCare, and Blue Cross.
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More than 100 million Americans are living with abnormal blood sugar. Is it possible that you could be one of them? A simple A1c screening blood test shows when levels are too high. Elevated blood sugar means higher risk for diabetes.
A glycated hemoglobin, or hemoglobin A1C, test (HbA1c) is one screening test that checks blood sugar levels. Results show how much sugar is in the bloodstream over time. Testing is accurate since values are not affected by acute illness or stress. A1c screening is recommended for certain populations, including overweight adults and those with other risk factors.
Those thinking about blood sugar testing or wondering about risk factors should talk to their doctor. Here are some common questions about diabetic screening and A1c testing.
The A1c test can detect diabetes because it measures how much sugar, called glucose, is found in red blood cells. The red blood cells give a “glycemic history” of the past 120 days.
Everyone has sugar in their blood. But diabetics have higher levels. Blood sugar that is too high leads to cell and tissue damage.
When someone is diagnosed with diabetes, their doctor will also use the A1c test to monitor how the disease is being controlled.
A1c readings are measured in percentage. Here is what A1c results mean.
Higher blood sugar levels cause greater A1c values, and they equal greater risk for diabetes.
Early detection is key in diabetes because early treatment can prevent serious complications. When a problem with blood sugar is found, doctors and patients can take steps to prevent permanent damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, blood vessels, and other vital organs.
Here are the current recommendations for A1c screening.
The CDC suggests A1c screening to know a baseline for:
They further recommend that any woman who has ever had gestational diabetes should have an A1c check every three years even if results are normal.
The USPTF also says that adults over age 45 should be checked for diabetes using the A1c test. Furthermore, it recommends repeat testing every three years.
The ADA also recommends the A1c test, or other diabetic screening, for all adults at age 45 and over. Additionally, it advises overweight individuals with one or more risk factors to be screened, regardless of age. If results are normal, repeat screening is recommended every three years or less.
How to Get an A1C Test
If you meet some of these guidelines, you might be wondering how you can get a screening test.
A primary care doctor or other licensed provider can order this common blood test. Results take as little as a few business days.
Those who do not have a doctor to order the test, can still get this valuable screening. An online doctor or virtual physician can help. Telemedicine providers work with laboratory partners to treat patients without unnecessary trips to an office.
An online physician sends referrals and lab orders just like a brick-and-mortar doctors office. After going to a lab for blood work, virtual doctors offices schedule follow up video visits to go over the results, answer questions, and discuss treatment plans.
If you would like to talk with one of our board-certified physicians, book and appointment today. My Virtual Physician offers health screening, lab tests, and counseling to meet all of your healthcare needs.
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Telemedicine surged this past year. Analysts say virtual healthcare will top 1 billion visits this year. But is it right for everyone? Parents may wonder if an online pediatrician is a good choice.
Telemedicine (TM) is a great resource for most people, even parents. Online doctors treat many pediatric health concerns through video visits. Yet, some cases require an in-person physical exam. When in doubt, the doctor, or their team, can help parents decide what is best for each situation.
Those who are curious about online pediatrician appointments should read on. Here we share why you should book an online pediatrician visit.
Online pediatrician visits can be a good choice. For instance, a recent pediatric study found that TM lowers lowers healthcare costs raising patient satisfaction. Easy access to doctors from the safety and comfort of home is invaluable. TM is an innovative solution to one of parenting's great challenges: a sick child.
Before booking an online pediatrician appointment, follow these steps.
Ask your doctor if TM is a good idea when you have a problem. In some cases, a doctor may want to see your child in person. In-office exams allow doctors to use instruments. Some tests cannot be conducted through a video screen.
Your doctor may also have a list online showing which concerns they can treat through online appointments.
To book an online pediatrician visit, you must have the equipment and connection to meet with the doctor. In other words, if you are booking a visit with a tablet or cellphone, make sure you have a strong signal and full bars. At home, log in to WiFi to get the best video quality.
Also, check with your doctor to find out what platform they use. Some have a mobile app. Others may want you to download the software before the visit.
It is good to arrive for your TM visit 10-15 minutes early. Log in ahead of time, so you don't feel rushed and can figure it out. You'll also have time to troubleshoot technical issues before the doctor arrives.
When deciding if you should book an online appointment, the last thing to think about is which provider to use. Each office has cost, appointment times, and patient reviews that vary.
A recent article by CNBC warned that TM is in high demand. Some will have longer wait times. Check your doctor's availability ahead of time. A little online research can go a long way to helping parents find the right online doctor.
Pediatricians can treat many common problems with a video consultation. Some concerns that are easily evaluated in a virtual visit are:
If you are unsure, check with your doctor. They can let you know the best choice for you.
In some cases doctors may need more tests. When a pediatrician needs more tools to treat a sick child, they may refer parents to an in-person visit or urgent care.
Some doctors' offices, like My Virtual Physician, work with local partners. They can arrange lab tests by sending an order to a laboratory. Later, they can review the results with the patient over video.
Telemedicine providers can arrange X-rays or other diagnostic tests this way too.
In some cases, online doctors prescribe medication. Online pediatricians can fax refills to local pharmacies. During the TM visit, online pediatricians will explain the treatment plan and any instructions to parents, just like in-person appointments.
Not all problems are best solved by an online appointment. Here are a few reasons to check with your doctor before booking an online pediatric appointment.
When a child needs in-person medical attention, but you can't book an appointment with a pediatrician, an urgent care center or emergency room may be the best option.
Dr. Ayyagari is a board-certified pediatrician of 20 years. She is licensed in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, and Florida and is accepting new patients. Click "BOOK APPOINTMENT NOW" to book an appointment. Or let us know if you have questions about your child. We are standing by to help.
As temperatures cool and leaves begin to change, we are beginning to see the colors of fall all around us. The golds, deep reds, and pink signal that October is upon us. The pink ribbon has become an international symbol for breast cancer awareness. And this month serves as an annual campaign to promote action in the fight against the disease. To kick off breast cancer awareness month, here is some important information on the importance of breast cancer screening, that could even help save a life.
Breast cancer screening is routine testing for healthy people that are not showing any symptoms or having any problems. There are different types of screening tools and tests, and your physician can help determine what is best for you.
There are several different screening tests that providers can use to check for breast cancer. For example, clinical breast exams are sometimes part of annual wellness visits. Another example is thermography which uses an infrared camera to view heat patterns and blood flow in body tissues. A third example of a breast cancer screening test is mammography. This is the type that most people are familiar with. So what exactly is mammography?
Mammography is a procedure that uses a low dose x-ray to show the inside breast tissue. It gives us a mammogram, similar to a photograph of the internal breast tissue. Mammography can visualize lumps that cannot be felt by physical exam. Furthermore, in some cases, mammography may detect changes in the breasts that could be cancerous years before symptoms would appear.
Mammography is a somewhat newer technology. It was introduced in the United States in the 1980s. Notably, since that time, deaths from breast cancer among women have decreased by 30%.
The recommendation for routine screening varies from person to person. Breast cancer can affect men but the risk is low. The vast majority of women are at average risk of developing breast cancer. This means that their risk is less than 15 percent of developing breast cancer in their entire lifetime. Still, others might be considered high risk. For this reason, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider about what is right for you. When you talk with your physician, they will discuss your screening options.
Recent studies warn against overdiagnosis. Overdiagnosis may represent 20% or more of all breast cancers among screen-detected cancers. Overdiagnosis leads to overtreatment and inflicts considerable physical, psychological, and economic harm to many women.
This term overdiagnosis refers to cases where breast changes discovered during examination are diagnosed as cancer, but would never have caused any problems or evolved, had they not been found on screening. This is an example of why it is vital for individuals to understand the risks and benefits of screening. There are risks and limitations for every test.
Because the incidence of cancer in women under the age of 40 is so low, it is recommended to avoid testing before that time. This is one way that overdiagnosis can be mitigated. Newer studies show that cancers diagnosed at an earlier age can be more aggressive. Therefore early detection is important. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening starting at age 40.
Although there are some risks with screening as we mentioned, routine screening offers important benefits including early detection and early intervention. It is recommended that women without any risk factors should still be screened. This is because up to 75% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women who have no risk factors at all.
Early detection is important. Firstly, early detection helps with a diagnosis before symptoms appear. Secondly, the risk of dying from cancer goes down by 25-30% or more with early detection. Without early detection, tumors can grow and possibly spread to other parts of the body. As you see, early detection is important and can lead to early intervention.
With an early diagnosis, patients have the opportunity for early intervention. This is important because cancer is usually easier to treat early in the disease process. Furthermore, treatment usually requires less aggressive therapy. More advanced cases may need extensive treatment including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.
Another benefit of early detection and early intervention is the lower cost associated with treatment. This is because the treatment may be less extensive or invasive. Also, treatment plans may be shorter and require fewer therapies. The prognosis is often better too.
So now that you understand what a mammogram is and why it is important, there are just a few more tips you should know when talking to your provider about this important screening test.
Firstly, it is a relatively painless and quick test. It only takes around 20 minutes. Some patients experience mild discomfort because, during the test, breast tissue is pressed between two plates. But if you are prepared and know what to expect this should not worry you.
Secondly, you may have options. In some cases, you can choose between a 2D or a 3D mammogram. 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, has become more common. Yet, it is still not available everywhere. As with all tests, there are pros and cons. One benefit of this newer technology is that it may be more helpful in showing changes in women who have denser breast tissue. Individuals who choose 3D mammography may have a lower risk of being "called back" for re-examination in the case of an unclear result. However, one reason that a 3D mammogram may not be the preferred choice is a cost consideration. This newer exam can cost more and additional health insurance plans may not fully cover it.
Thirdly, some centers offer same day results. If you might be one to worry over your test findings, choosing this type of provider might be best for you.
So as you can see, the mammogram is a relatively simple, quick, and painless test for breast cancer screening. The benefits of early detection and early intervention should be weighed with the risk of overdiagnosis as you talk to your provider. Armed with the information you have now, you can confidently talk to your healthcare provider about your screening options.
If you still have questions or you would like to talk about your risk and the screening options available, MyVirtualPhysician has doctors available for consultation. If you have any suggestions for additional topics you want to read about please let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media.
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You’ve heard it said "the only thing constant is change.”
Healthcare is no different. Similarly, it continues to evolve as time goes on. Telemedicine is a great example. Patients now have convenient access to doctors and specialists in the privacy, safety, and comfort of their homes. Another example is the field of integrative holistic medicine. You might be asking, just what is integrative medicine? And how is it a change for the better?
Integrative holistic medicine, or just integrative medicine (IM), is a specialized approach that looks at the whole person. It is a different way to treat what ails us. This medical subspecialty takes into account the "whole body" and the many influences that affect a person's health. For example, these can include physical, mental, social, and spiritual factors.
This movement in healthcare combines conventional schools of mainstream medicine with alternative medicine. That is to say, it focuses on a holistic view of the patient which makes care personalized. Doctors in IM choose therapies that work best for each person and can be linked to better outcomes. Here are some basic principles of IM that they follow.
The doctor-patient relationship is collaborative. In other words, the two partners work together to achieve an outcome. Practitioners spend time with the patient to get to know about them. IM doctors may ask questions to learn more about the origin of symptoms. Likewise, they will explore the background behind the illness or injury.
This practice of spending more time to understand the root problem is helpful. Firstly, patients are empowered by information. Secondly, understanding the "why" behind their problems gives them hope.
Patients are considered more than just human bodies. Similarly, wellness and illness are more than the physical functions of the body.
Symptoms can be complex. For instance, they can involve physical, social, psychological, and spiritual manifestations. IM takes into account the whole body, mind, spirit, and community. Providers do this by working to understand how a person’s experiences may have caused illness. They are able to devise an effective treatment plan as a result. Importantly, they seek to treat the person and not just the illness.
Also, lifestyle and stress play a huge role in illness, health, and healing. Integrative holistic doctors understand this relationship and try to help patients manage their stress.
In the IM field, doctors seek the most natural path. This is to say that they prefer minimally invasive treatment. In IM, traditional western care is blended with more eastern philosophies to treat and manage a variety of conditions. For example, non-invasive therapies that may be recommended include yoga, meditation, and herbs.
The goal of integrative care is optimal wellness for the client. Prevention is key. This means that there is an emphasis on health, rather than on the illness.
The IM field focuses on what works for the patient. For example, care may include an evaluation of genetic factors that could be contributing to the current health status. The provider and patient then work together to sort out what might be causing illness. Providers try to figure out where the patient is coming from. With this more patient-centered approach, patients are often motivated to make changes and work towards the goals they set.
There are many benefits to choosing a provider with integrative holistic medicine expertise.
Studies show patients working with IM providers report improved mental and emotional wellbeing. This could be related to symptom relief and improved disease management that are reported also.2
IM treatment involves a customized regimen tailored to the individual. The doctor spends time getting to know the patient, and he or she feels more valued. A study on IM in pain management found that an individualized, relationship-centered approach, meeting the patients where they are, can help determine which modalities may be used synergistically3, optimizing the outcomes.
The IM field continues to evolve. Therefore, there are more clinical trials and research studies going on to examine some of the non-traditional approaches. You can trust that there will be good evidence-based study behind the treatment plan you are participating in.
Patients have more options working with an integrative holistic care provider. This is because non-traditional therapies give doctors and patients more tools to work with. By using treatments such as massage, biofeedback, or sound therapy, patients have access to more choices in their treatment.
In conclusion, this valuable care model has many benefits for patients. The integrative holistic medicine approach is a change in how some doctors are addressing patient care.
Highly personalized treatment and a focus on prevention are beneficial to patients. Additionally, the use of minimally invasive and natural therapies makes this field stand out from more traditional approaches.
IM does not exclude traditional methods, however. Think of it as an "add-on" to increase the success of treatment and increase benefits. Get away from the adage "a pill for the ill." Replace it with "medicate and meditate."
As times change and healthcare evolves, doctors must continue to meet the demands of today's patients. The future of medicine must recognize the complexity of the social, physical, developmental, and genetic influences on health and disease.1
Dr. Daniel Kessler of MyVirtualPhysician is double board-certified in Family Medicine and Integrative Holistic Medicine and holds full certifications in Functional Medicine. Dr. Kessler and other doctors are available for consultation. MyVirtualPhysician treats conditions including allergies, earaches, cold and flu symptoms, and more. If you want to schedule an appointment with our integrative holistic care practitioner at MyVirtualPhysician, you can click the buttons below to book an appointment. If you have any suggestions for additional topics you want to read about please let us know! Don’t forget to follow us on social media.
MedPage Today published an article stating the following:
1. Medicare is still seeing a high and leveling use of telehealth among medicare beneficiaries.
2. Although Medicare is going down the direction of permanently increasing access to Telemedicine, private payors are actually going in the opposite direction.
3. Confirms that people who adopted telemedicine during the shutdown, and liked it, are likely to make it a permanent part of the way they see their doctors moving forward.
To read the rest of the article, click here.
MedPage Today published an article about the rise of telemedicine services in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and why more people are favoring virtual doctor's visits. To read the rest of the article, click here.
The journal, Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, published a study comparing video visits to in-person office visits for postoperative care. To read the study, click the link below!
Everyday Health released an article about the importance of making and keeping your appointment to see your gynecologist during the pandemic. If you are interested in learning more, click here to read the article! Make sure to book your appointment with our virtual gynecologist today.
