There’s no doubt that times are changing. With the outbreak of COVID-19 leading the CDC to encourage social distancing, there’s been a need for more virtual services. For many, this may seem like uncharted territory. However, with today’s technology, it can be easier than ever to connect with patients – both new and old – without having to leave home.
A significant resource that has emerged during this crisis is the virtual consultation. In the coming weeks, we’ll be focusing on the changes coming about in telemedicine. This week, we’ll address the most frequently asked questions about virtual consultations we’ve been hearing from orthodontists around the country surrounding this new way of practicing medicine. If you want to know more about virtual consultations and how they can benefit you during this time of the global pandemic, keep reading below!
What does a virtual consultation look like?
It can be stressful to adapt your practice to a new way of caring for your patients. Thankfully, telemedicine has come a long way and virtual consultations can be conducted in a variety of ways, allowing you to choose what works best for you! Due to the recent changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, HIPAA guidelines have adapted to allow for the increased demand for telemedicine. This gives you more availability to your patients, even from a distance!
The biggest decision to make in your telemedicine workflow is if you want to provide synchronous or asynchronous services. Synchronous mediums include Facetime or Zoom conference calls, allowing you to interact with your patients. An asynchronous approach involves patients sending in photos, via email or text, that can be reviewed to create a treatment plan.
How can I let my patients know about the change in virtual care?
The best way to update your patients about these major changes? Social media and website updates! With so many people practicing social distancing, and the increasing number of Safer At Home mandates around the country, web-based updates are your best tool!
Facebook and Instagram are great channels for getting information to a wider audience, in a short amount of time. This is where we come in! We’ll help you create the perfect social media caption or email to inform your patients about your new services. This will bring more attention to your virtual services and encourage both new and old patients to explore their options.
Are virtual consults worth the time?
In a word: YES. As more cities and states put Safer At Home orders in place almost daily, it’s crucial to adapt to the times. Being able to provide orthodontic services through communication tools like Zoom and Skype will help to keep your practice going through these uncertain times. With the proper marketing strategies in place, you’ll be able to continue to reach out to new patients, while complying with any COVID-19 related measures put in place by your local government.
During this time of global pandemic, virtual consultations are the link between you and your patients. Being able to stay connected and keep your patients updated on any changes that may arise in the coming weeks will show your dedication to quality care.
As news surrounding COVID-19 changes every day, adapting is more important than ever! Switch to virtual consultations and keep moving forward.
As always, if you’ve got questions about virtual consultations, or we can help you, feel free to ask us. Our team is here to help you.