The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way healthcare providers interact with their patients, and it may now be permanent. According to some resources, telehealth is now used 38 times more frequently than pre-pandemic rates.

Many practices are continuing to utilize telemedicine, including orthopedics. For the most part, there are three primary ways that providers are working telehealth into a thriving practice:

  • New patient appointments
  • Routine patient follow-up
  • Preoperative and postoperative patients

Take a closer look at how each of these aspects can be incorporated into a robust orthopedic practice.

1. New Patient Appointments

In a study published in Telemedicine and e-Health, telemedicine for new patients was widely accepted after the introduction of COVID-19 precautions. Approximately 75% of surgeons were using this digital health tool to assess their new patients and build rapport. Most plan to keep using telemedicine well into the future. 

Relevance to Orthopedic Practices

So far, the studies show that virtual consults from an orthopedic surgeon can save as much as 45% of direct costs over a traditional visit. Additionally, new patients tend to be more satisfied with telehealth appointments, especially when compared to already-established patients and follow-up patients.

Perhaps this comprehensive approach to telemedicine is the reason why the majority of these doctors plan to continue with offering new patient appointments virtually instead of face-to-face appointments.

2. Routine Patient Follow-Up

During the pandemic, many orthopedic surgeons also used telemedicine to follow up with their patients who recently had a surgery or procedure. And, studies have shown that as many as 60% of patients would like to continue receiving telemedicine appointments. As a result, close to 90% of providers intend to keep offering telemedicine for follow-ups.

3. Preoperative and Postoperative Patients

Preoperative patients are routinely seen via telemedicine in much the same way that new patients are seen. Doctors are able to perform an initial consultation and walk patients through what they will experience without the need for a face-to-face appointment. It is a great time for the provider to build rapport with their new patient.

While preoperative patients are much simpler to assess via telemedicine, research has shown that even postoperative patients prefer a virtual option if able. This can be especially important for those who have a harder time moving around due to their procedure. When stitches did not need to be removed or assessed, more than half of all surgeons were satisfied with their physical examination and imaging.

Overcoming Telemedicine Barriers

Facilitating these telemedicine appointments does not come without barriers. It is crucial to ensure that you are not compromising the patient experience simply because they appear on screen instead of in person. 

Orthopedic doctors, specifically, will have to consider everything about this process such as coordinating appointments with front office staff, managing technology, ensuring HIPAA compliance, and more.

Getting started can often be the hardest step, but with the right tools and resources, telemedicine can improve patient satisfaction while reducing costs.