The chief of a telemedicine centre Andrei Tyazhelnikov talks to the media in Moscow on April 7, 2020. The city of Moscow opened a telemedicine centre to treat and support coronavirus patients who are well enough to stay home. — AFP pic
The coronavirus outbreak has severely strained the health system, but telemedicine is being seen as a vital way of coping including for those impacted by the outbreak. Khan said he has been handling all his consultations remotely for the past two weeks, and that patients are handling the shift well. A year ago, Malani said, the survey showed many older adults had little knowledge or interest in telemedicine, but the situation has now changed dramatically.
Many US states have lifted restrictions and insurance companies have waived co-payments for these consultations. Gary Berman, a New Jersey cardiologist, began remote consultations as part of an effort to protect his practice and his patients during the outbreak.