Fall in cases, but teleconsultations with docs still popular in Dharwad

Hubballi: Although Covid-19 cases are falling rapidly, those with other ailments still prefer to consult with doctors virtually rather than visit hospitals to seek medical advice.

teleconsultation is not a new concept, but awareness was low prior and it gained prominence only after the nationwide lockdown was enforced. Doctors now say electronic consultation is the new big thing in the medical field and is here to stay. Doctors and patients say teleconsultation saves time and energy and patients can consult with doctors from the comfort of their homes.

Dr Shivanand Hiremath, a psychiatrist at Antharya Neuro Psychiatric Centre, said he launched teleconsultation services in 2017, but there were few takers over the past three years. However, he received a flood of calls during the lockdown as regular patients and others began consulting him via video calls.

“Many patients of mine now interact through video calls and many rural patients too are consulting virtually,” Dr Hiremath said. “Personally, I prefer that the first consultation be in-person. teleconsultation is best for follow-ups.”

Dr Sachin Hoskatti, a well-known physician, said teleconsultation has its advantages but it sometimes cannot replace physical consultation. “It is better if the first visit is made in person,” said Dr Hoskatti. “Follow-ups can be done through online consultation and its best for people suffering from diabetes and hypertension and the elderly who require regular follow-ups.”

Rashmi Katnur, a resident of Abhinava Nagar, said members of her family have been consulting doctors online for some time now. “I am a diabetic and I was diagnosed during the lockdown,” she said. “I began monitoring my blood glucose levels using a monitoring system at home, but my sugar levels were not in control and visiting the doctor during the lockdown was not easy. So I began a teleconsultation with a diabetologists and he changed my tablets and doses. Since then I regularly take his advice.”


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