Online Doctor Visits? A Look at Telemedicine Trends of 2009

It's a fact. The world is becoming more connectedconsultations in 2009. Because so many cell phones or
via internet; and other electronic communicationmobile devices have either a camera or video
devices are more accessible than ever. With this, it iscomponent, computers are no longer required for
certainly no surprise that the usage of online medicalonline doctor consultations or for online doctor
consultations - otherwise known as telemedicine - isprescriptions. Cell phones can also now be used with
on the rise. Video conferencing, online chat rooms,text messaging, instant messaging, and picture/video
and digital image sharing is an emerging trend inmessaging, thereby allowing communications with
hospital and home settings alike.online doctors and other medical professionals to be
The capability to send online messages with greatmore convenient and easily accessible.
ease is one reason why online medical consultationEven those who are skeptical of online doctor
practices are rapidly expanding to the general public.consultations are lured to utilizing them thanks to the
These practices offer services that includeultra convenience and ease of telemedicine. Most
consultations with online doctors for acute medicalpeople who have an online doctor consultation agree
conditions, such as acne, athletes foot, sinusthat the treatment is all very similar, if not the same
infections, and more; as well as online prescriptions(for common medical issues only), as a regular
and doctors' excuses for work and school.doctor's visit in an office or clinic. There are,
In addition to the offering of convenient, affordablehowever, added benefits to online medical
online medical consultation services, the field ofconsultations, which include convenience, and saving
telemedicine is growing to accommodate theboth time and money.
capability to treat more than just acute medicalGrowing more accessible are websites that offer the
conditions over the phone or internet; but moreexpertise of online doctors, and provide users with a
complicated ones as well. Online doctors are utilizingvariety of online medical services, including printable
live video references and images in order to examinedoctors excuses, online prescriptions, and confidential
their patients, similar to examining them right withinways to ask a doctor questions, etc., all the while
the doctor's office.giving the public a solid sense of trust in the validity
The technological advancement of cell phones alsoof the online medical consultation.
contributes to the growth of online doctor