Telemedicine has progressed as a viable option during the COVID-19 pandemic to give remote treatment options to patients. Today, healthcare providers can engage with their patients over video sessions to provide timely diagnoses and treatment of various health conditions. A survey by Software Advice suggests that patients are interested in telemedicine solutions. This increase in interest is of no surprise because when Telemedicine EMR Software systems are deployed the following benefits can be realized;

  • Improved care quality
  • Reduction in costs
  • Safe method to receive care during the pandemic
  • Eliminates the need to travel to the doctor’s clinic
  • Quick and easy access to the healthcare provider

Patients can have immediate access through real-time video call sessions to treat conditions like long-term addiction, substance abuse disorders, and the opioid crisis. Telemedicine is seen as an effective alternative in contrast face to face visits for behavioral health counseling in these trying times. The telemedicine platform has helped to increase access to addiction treatment by bypassing stigma and offering care to patients even in the outskirts. Drug abuse and opioid is a big issue in the United States and things have got worse due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine solutions have a great potential to assist patients recovery who are suffering from addiction issues.

3 Benefits of Telemedicine for Treating Addiction

  1. A better option for patients – The pandemic has restricted patients from receiving therapy due to isolation and social distancing protocols. Even in a progressive country like the US, there is a social stigma attached to receiving treatment for drug abuse and addiction. The uncertainty has led to an increase in opioid cases. Telemedicine is a better option for patients as they can seek quick treatment privately without having people around them know. Patients suffering from nicotine, alcohol, or opioid addictions may only be ready for treatment if they are provided one discretely and this is exactly what telemedicine does.
  2. Instant access – Telemedicine has the benefit of providing instant access to resources which makes it possible for the patient to receive treatment then and there. Usually, patients suffering from addiction issues may drop out of treatment if they have to wait for the actual appointment. Such patients are quick to rethink receiving counseling if there’s a delay in treatment. Telemedicine deals with this issue and improves care delivery by providing on-the-spot resources for treatment.
  3. Reduces chances of a patient relapse – Implementation of telemedicine solutions has enables doctors to keep patients on the right track by reminding them and counseling them over virtual sessions. Drug abuse treatment requires ongoing support from the provider and this is possible through telemedicine technology in the form of real-time counseling, recovery support chats, and motivational emails of instant messages. This helps to improve patient outcome levels and enhances therapy success rates.

Final Takeaway

Telemedicine is a promising healthcare solution in the treatment of drug disorders and addiction treatment of patients in the US. If you are thinking to provide better counseling opportunities to your behavioral health patients it’s time you deploy telemedicine solutions to extend your reach and ensure patient recovery and well-being despite the pandemic.