The ABC's Of Telemedicine...

I mentioned to my roomie the differences between yesterday's telemedicine visit & a normal 1.  She reminded me I'd never done an detailed post on this topic.  So, here it goes, my usual OSU telemedicine experience.

1. It starts at the last appointment, when I set my next appointment & told what labs I will need drawn.
2. 2 - 3 weeks before the appointment, I have labs drawn.
3. A week before, I get the results so I can have them with me as well.
4. The day before, the specialist's office calls to confirm the appointment.
5. I go to wherever the telemedicine bus is going to be.  It's usually in the same place, but sometimes they have to relocate.
6. I arrive & check in.  I fill out whatever, if any, paperwork they need dealt with at that time.
7. The nurse takes me in and takes my vitals (BP, temp, heart rate, pulse, HT, WT) & sometimes I get vaccinations at this point.
8. Then I go to the back of the bus which can be closed off for privacy.  
9. Other than the fact, it's obviously on a bus, there's a large monitor & other equipment not normally in a doctor's office, it looks just about like any other clinic room. (sorry can't find a pic)
10. According to this, these are the place & services the bus offers.
11. In the back, there are usually 2 student doctors.  That makes 4 staff members on board, driver/clerk. nurse & 2 student doctors. 
12. We all get acquainted,  the student doctors are always new, usually somewhat timid & nervous.
13. The screen comes on (if all goes well) & we're connected to the main office in Tulsa, OK where a doctor & pharmacist conduct the exam via the internet.  It may not as cool as it used to be, but the $ & time it saves me are wonderful.
14. The exam begins with the 2 virtual doctors asking whatever ?'s they may have for me.  It's a little odd, cause there's a couple second lag in communication time.
15. After that, we go over my lab results & medication history.  
16. Then the student doctors do a cursory exam.  This is done with a stethoscope that connects to the net so that the virtual docs can hear it as well.  At this point, they are listening to my heart & breathing.
17. Past that. they bring out an endoscopic camera for ears, nose, throat & eyes.  This is a similar device. It's also connected to the web, so the other docs can see everything as well.
18. They check for any edema or any other obvious issues & ask me about my current health.
19. After that's done, I'm sent back up front to set my next appointment.
20. Then I go home.

On a good day I can leave the house at 8:50 AM, drive about mile or so, go through the appointment & be

back home by 9:40.  That's less than hour.  Sometimes, it takes a little longer, sometimes it's faster.  I used to have to drive 2 hours up to Tulsa, be in the doctor's office for 30 minutes & then drive back 2 hours.  So, instead of 4 -5 hours, I now spend 30 - 45 minutes.   I drive less than 5 miles, not nearly 250.  I don't waste $ on extra gas, turnpike fees or having to eat out.  I put a lot less wear & tear on the car, my roomie & myself.

Telemedicine has been a great thing for me. I can't really say how much I appreciate it.  It makes a stressful event for me far less so. (I hate doctor appointments)  It saves me $, which is very needed.  Going to telemedicine is an errand, not a planned for day long event.  

There it is, a trip to the telemedicine bus.  I think I covered everything.  Until tomorrow.

Cya...