{"id":5193,"date":"2020-12-29T13:33:34","date_gmt":"2020-12-29T17:33:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/?p=5193"},"modified":"2020-12-28T13:34:59","modified_gmt":"2020-12-28T17:34:59","slug":"workers-compensation-trends-for-2021-telemedicine-and-workers-compensation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/workers-compensation-trends-for-2021-telemedicine-and-workers-compensation\/","title":{"rendered":"Workers\u2019 Compensation Trends for 2021 – Telemedicine and Worker\u2019s Compensation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, people can connect to the Internet and with each other in many different ways \u2013 desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This technology is now being used to connect doctors and patients remotely \u2013 in place of in-office visits. The trend of using telemedicine in workers\u2019 compensation<\/a> cases is expected to continue through 2021 and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n

Electronic communications are being used for consultation, monitoring of a patient\u2019s condition, management of chronic conditions, management of medication, and other clinical services \u2013 provided the video and audio connections are private and secure. Telemedicine usually includes a video consultation, after an injury, where the doctor can hopefully make a diagnosis of the workers\u2019 injuries \u2013 though the worker may need to go to a lab to have certain medical tests done. The physician can then conduct follow-up examinations remotely instead of in-person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>According to a representative from Kaiser Permanente<\/span><\/a> (KP), a leader in telemedicine services, In 2015, of KP\u2019s 110 million interactions between physicians and members, 56% were virtual, surpassing physical visits for the first time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The US Department of Veterans Affairs, which operates the country\u2019s largest healthcare system, is using telemedicine for many veterans nationwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

The use of telemedicine during the pandemic<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

During the pandemic, the use of remote technology has been a life-saver for many workers. Workers who use telemedicine can do so from home so they don\u2019t need to be in contact with anyone who might have the disease \u2013 other than their own family members. Physicians and healthcare providers are using telemedicine to consult with their patients.<\/span><\/p>\n

Advantages of telemedicine in work injury cases<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

There are some advantages to using telemedicine for all types of injuries. Telemedicine is useful for the following situations:<\/span><\/p>\n