Telemedicine maintains key role in local health care From the cover
The big picture
Telehealth vs. in-person
Navigating when to see a doctor in-person
Should I schedule an in-person or telehealth visit?
Dr. Pallavi Mukkamala, a family practitioner at the Baylor Scott and White Clinic in Southwest Austin, said that as the technology has evolved, it has become easier for all of her patients to utilize telehealth as an appointment option. Mukkamala works as a family practitioner seeing anyone from infants to seniors. “Telehealth has really become hand-in-hand with in-person visits,” Mukkamala said. “... Before the pandemic, a lot of us never really did much telemedicine, so it pushed us into it in a hurry. But once it was here, we all realized how convenient it was and how simple it is. It’s stayed, and the demand for it has not gone down.” Mukkamala said providers have adapted diagnostic approaches for minor or routine issues. Instead of a visit, they might ask patients to send close-up photos of skin conditions or other visible concerns. Additionally, clinics like Baylor Scott and White o er 24-hour virtual urgent care, providing late- night care and answers.
Schedule an in-person visit if:
Schedule a telehealth visit if:
Patient is experiencing new or severe symptoms
Visit is for follow-up or routine care
Visit requires testing or procedures
Patient prefers to meet online
Patient is experiencing mild symptoms
Physical exam needed
Remote monitoring is sufficient for visit
Patient does not have Internet access
SOURCE: TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
The impact
limitations of the disease. The Austin-based specialist sees patients from across Texas. He noted there are too few neu- rologists to meet the state’s needs, and demand for neurological care continues to grow as the population ages. Additionally, hospitals have been able to utilize telemedicine to call in specialist doctors in life-threatening situations, such as stroke acute care treatment, another subspecialty in neurology.
Studies suggest telemedicine can lower barriers for obtaining mental health and specialty care. The most common type of diagnosis for clients receiving telehealth services are related to mental, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders, according to a Texas Health and Human Services department 2024 report. Patients of Dr. Victor H. Gonzalez Montoya, a neurologist with Baylor Scott & White who specializes in epilepsy, use telehealth visits due to
“In some fields of medicine, you cannot replace examining or touching the patient. But I don’t see [telemedicine] as a supplement; I see it more like a complement of
what we are doing,” DR. VICTOR H. GONZALEZ MONTOYA
Looking for a meaningful and memorable way to give back to children in foster care this summer? In honor of our 9th anniversary of becoming a 501c3 nonprofit, Carrying Hope is treating Austin-area foster youth living in local shelters, residential treatment centers, and group homes to an unforgettable day of summer fun-in-the-sun at Typhoon Texas! Each kiddo will be provided with full-day admission, a catered lunch and unlimited drinks, and a gift card to purchase back-to-school clothing so he/she/they can enter the new school year with a little extra confidence and style.
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TYPHOON TEXAS JULY 30 TH
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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