Last year’s COVID pandemic shut down caused many health providers, like Child Neurology Consultants of Austin (CNCA), to quickly pivot to telemedicine so as not to interrupt patient care. For many months, most of our patients connected with our pediatric neurologists via telehealth. Now, as vaccinations become more widespread and COVID is more contained, patients are returning to the clinic. But we still see feel telehealth offers amazing benefits and hope that it’s here for the long-term.
Dr. Jeffrey Kane, a board-certified pediatric neurologist and medical director with CNCA, discussed these advantages with the Austin American Statesman.
Is Telemedicine Here to Stay?
For many of our patients, telehealth has been a big help. This is especially true for families who live far outside of Austin and even college-age patients who live out-of-state.
“It’s a huge advantage,” said Dr. Kane to the Statesman. “It’s so much more convenient to families. It’s absolutely good medical care.”
For our patients who may have mobility issues or use public transportation to visit the clinic, telehealth is much more convenient for families.
Dr. Kane noted that in-person visits are still important. A physical examination can provide vital information for diagnosing a condition and recommending or altering a treatment. It’s why he doesn’t think telehealth can be for every visit. But for patients who are stable and need a medication refill, “it’s a very low risk to do telemedicine,” he said.
You can read the full Austin American-Statesman article here.
