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What do you think of telemedicine for treatment of PD?
I had an appt. with a telemedicine movement disorder specialist. While I felt he could administer the movement tests effectively via video, I feel the human touch is missing. Perhaps if there were at least one face to face meeting, it might have been more helpful. What do you think of telemedicine with your doctors?
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12 Replies
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Oh, gosh, I would hate to be diagnosed with PD via telemedicine. I could see using that occasionally for consults between office visits, but not for regular evaluation and treatment. Speaking of the “human touch,” I’ve found that my neurologists are very hands-off, whereas an actual touch (a hand on the shoulder, for instance) would be so welcome and would help to make that connection between doctor and patient stronger.
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i think telemedicine has its place, but not for diagnosing an individual with PD. I think it is a God send for people who live in the sticks like me and have a long distance to travel to find a qualified MDS. i see a general neuro who is very open to alternative treatments and he knows better than to try and push drugs on me LOL. plus, he is a very warm person that connects well.
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You are very fortunate in that regard, Jean! So you’re not taking any meds now at all?
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i have been trying to find the right ‘cocktail’ of drugs to alleviate my symptoms for several years. i was resistant to trying drugs initially and thought through diet and exercise alone i could fight this disease. now i accept the fact i need to take some drugs just so i can exercise; my fatigue, lack of motivation and apathy are worsening.
i write a column for this website and some of my earlier articles describe my journey.. https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/category/slow-is-the-new-fast-a-column-by-jean-mellano/
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Thank you, Jean!
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I have not tried video-visits but would like to. For finding novel treatment options video would open up access to clinical research centers like Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinic.
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James, video visits would also be very valuable for those that live in rural areas where this not a lot of MDS to choose from (Like me). But I do believe the human touch is so important and that there should be at least one face to face visit.
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James, video visits would also be very valuable for those that live in rural areas where this not a lot of MDS to choose from (Like me). But I do believe the human touch is so important and that there should be at least one face to face visit.
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I also live in a rural area. It has been described as Frontier as opposed to rural by some who live close to town. In America, location is often given with reference to where we are from the nearest Walmart store. I am 65 miles from the closest Walmart. Have been reliant on the VA for medical help. The VA has started using telemedicine to solve the doctor shortage. It works ok for those who are relatively in good health and somewhat self reliant. But when problems start to crop up that could only be detected by a live person present, the concept can be unsatisfying. Even damaging to the patient. I have utilized ‘tele-doc’ 3 times so far, did not like the last one.
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I grew up in a rural area, Dan, and now live in the big city and it never ceases to amaze me how wealthy urban folk are in terms of access to programs and services. Your post also raises another concern for me, which is technological literacy. I can imagine there are some folks who will struggle with the technical logistics of tele-health — not to mention the general troubleshooting that is often accompanies any kind of technology use. Did you get training or any kind of support to help you familiarize yourself with the technical aspects of using tele-health, or were you just given a tool and had to figure it out on your own?
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For me it was easy. VA outpatient clinic 65 miles from my home, (close to Walmart) Telemed monitors installed and they work most of the time. I am computer literate unlike many of my veteran amigos. So I could likely manage a telemed session from here.
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I think James Harvey’s comment has merit. Applicable in the vigorous pursuit of knowledge and networking. Not so beneficial when an “off time” condition renders the connection between the brain and body goes on strike, leaving digits with out guidance, ambulatory skills at a standstill, mandibular malfunctions interfering with clear speech.
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