Home Forums Coronavirus and the private practice

Hi everyone,

I am probably identifying myself as an old curmudgeon, which may well be the case. But I really have concerns about telemedicine in the family practice setting.

First, I certainly have older patients without smart phones, or who have them and are very limited in their ability to use them.

Secondly, more importantly, I cannot imagine a visit with an older person with multiple problems without a physical exam. What is your blood pressure? Heart regular or irregular? Lungs have rales? Mild ankle edema? Is that back pain just musculoskeletal?

And it would be pretty hard to give a joint injection remotely.

I guess the way to look at it is that telemedicine is better than nothing, which I believe is true. But the idea that televisits will take the place of in office visits long-term seems nonsensical.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Gene