In recent years, we’ve seen technology and medicine come together in novel ways, revolutionizing care and enabling our providers to offer even more convenient treatment options for you. You may, for example, have had a telehealth visit with us in the past, especially if you needed to see a doctor during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What you may not know, however, is that advancements in medical technology are enabling even newer types of remote care, making it easier than ever to consult with a specialist for conditions outside the scope of what a general practitioner might treat. One example is telecardiology.
Discover what to expect from telecardiology appointments below, and how they’re changing cardiology for the better.
How Do Telecardiology Appointments Work?
In telecardiology, providers can diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions through telecommunications 24/7, 365 days a year. Using this practice, cardiologists interface with primary care practitioners (PCPs) via specialty equipment, such as devices that can record and transmit electrocardiograms (ECGs) to remote facilities. Your cardiologist can then interpret the ECG to make an accurate diagnosis of several heart conditions, including heart disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.
Following an initial diagnosis (and treatment, if needed), you can continue receiving telecardiology after discharge from the hospital or your doctor’s office. For example, you might be prescribed a wearable ECG device to track your heart’s rhythm, which can help your provider monitor your condition remotely. The data can be compared to your initial ECG and collected
over time for an accurate assessment of your ongoing heart health. You might then continue to meet with your cardiologist via telehealth, or in person if preferred.
What Are the Benefits of Telecardiology?
Telecardiology has several noteworthy benefits. For one, it shortens the amount of time from diagnosis to treatment — a critical factor when dealing with something as serious as heart health. It’s reduced the number of deaths caused by heart attacks, but it can also eliminate unnecessary hospitalization. In other words, telecardiology can save time and ensure you receive the care you need quickly, but it can also prevent you from pursuing unnecessary specialty care if you don’t need it.
Beyond the immediate, life-saving benefits of telecardiology appointments, this care model has far-reaching perks for both the healthcare sector and society as a whole, especially while healthcare continues to face workforce shortages across the globe. Our commitment to providing top-notch care for our patients has never wavered, though appointments with specialists like cardiologists are in high demand — especially with the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular conditions.
But no one who needs immediate help should ever have to wait, and telecardiology ensures prompt specialty care is available at all times. Utilizing ECGs and telecommunications enables our PCPs and emergency department personnel to collaborate with cardiologists to provide accurate, timely diagnoses. And with the ability to rule out conditions that don’t require specialty care, cardiologists can dedicate their resources to those that do. Referrals can also be made remotely.
Learn More or Schedule a Telecardiology Appointment Today
Telecardiology is just one example of how Morgan Medical Center embraces leading technology to deliver advanced care at the local level. Our facility has life-saving diagnostic equipment and emergency care services, as well as cutting-edge imaging and modern therapy equipment. Find out more about our comprehensive care online or contact us by calling 706-342-1667.