Opinion: The doctor isn’t quite ready to Skype you now

The telemedicine industry has an opportunity to lessen the strain on the global health system. But whether it can overcome financial and operational constraints to make a significant difference to the current crisis remains to be seen. — Dreamstime/TNS

Telemedicine, long hyped as a more efficient approach to health care, is finally taking off.

People who suspect they’re suffering from Covid-19 symptoms are being told to self-isolate. But they also need to seek medical advice. Many are turning towards telemedicine providers, who eliminate the need to leave home by connecting the potentially ill with medical professionals in a telephone or video call. For healthcare providers, a remote consultation is considerably more cost effective (and safer) than an in-person visit.