Telehealth Services: A Game-Changer for Peripheral Neuropathy

Technology has reshaped our lives in massive ways over the past few decades. From personal computers to laptops, landlines to iPhones. These vast jumps have transformed how we do business, lead our lives, and even handle medical care needs. Telemedicine or telehealth delivers healthcare services digitally. This includes patient education, direct medical care, and health information services. 

Communications occur in various ways, from text messages to mobile health apps, video conferencing to patient monitoring systems. Besides the platforms used and information delivered, telemedicine is also transforming how certain conditions get addressed. 

Keep reading to find out how telehealth services are improving the treatment of neuropathy from diabetes. ​

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​Telehealth Services 101

Remote medical appointments save patients time, fuel, and missed appointments. To give you an idea of just how popular telehealth services have become in recent years, consider this. 

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center saw 96 telemedicine appointments in February 2020. From March through July 2020, the number exploded to 202,900. Of course, social distancing played a major role in the rapid spike.

Nevertheless, telehealth services are here to stay. After all, the COVID pandemic is over, and telehealth services continue to expand. Simultaneously, technologies are rising to support this demand. While telemedicine shouldn’t be considered a replacement for in-person care, it has obvious benefits. 

It’s a highly efficient way to deliver follow-up care for chronic conditions, like diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Clinicians at Wexner Medical Center rely on a mixture of telephone calls, video visits, and detailed questionnaires to provide patients with the best care. As a result, everyone remains on the same page about medical history, current symptoms, and which follow-up appointments are needed. ​

Why Telemedicine?

Besides slashing fuel costs and loss of time, telehealth services come with other benefits. These include decreased overall expenses because telemedicine appointments are more cost-effective than in-person ones. Clinics have also reported a significant decrease in missed appointments.

Appointments conducted virtually also ensure patient and staff safety by negating the risk of exposure and contraction of infectious diseases. And telemedicine provides greater flexibility for clinicians and patients when it comes to scheduling appointments. Jessica Myszak, Ph.D., argues that the at-home nature of telehealth visits encourages straightforward patient communication. 

She explains, “I have noticed that being able to talk to individuals in their own homes allows them to feel more comfortable and be more open with me.” And Brian LaMoreaux, MD, says, “I like to think of it as a way to speak with my patients and help to manage their care when in-person visits might not be an option or necessary for the check-in.” ​

Telehealth Services: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment

How are medical professionals using telehealth services to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy? Dr. John Coppola is a peripheral neuropathy specialist who uses telemedicine services to help his patients. Like other practitioners, he relies on a combination of in-person and virtual therapeutic options to keep his patients on track with their treatment plans. 

This more flexible, cutting-edge approach has allowed him to maximize the benefits of nerve treatment. He explains, “I’ve been treating neuropathy for two decades, and since the COVID-19 era, our telehealth approach has been a game-changer.” What else does he have to say about helping patients with peripheral neuropathy, a painful condition that impacts the lives of millions of patients and their caregivers each year? The right therapeutic strategy is key.

Coppola observes, “By prescribing NeuropaCalm as part of our foundational care, we’ve achieved remarkable success. Their products are extremely effective, backed by great customer service and technical knowledge. Without NeuropaCalm, our treatments wouldn’t be nearly as successful.” 

Ready to find out more about peripheral neuropathy care management and how you can integrate it with your telehealth services? 

​Contact us today to learn about the NeuropaCalm Care Program, a cash, at-home neuropathy program, provided to patients solely by medical professionals.