http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323293704578332601939386228.html#printMode
From the article:
In the most recent development, Rite Aid Corp. will open 58 stores, across four markets, which contain in-store clinics providing virtual doctor visits conducted via Web camera. The walk-in clinics—which charge patients $45 for a 10-minute chat with a doctor on a computer monitor
Is this pushing the direct pt/physician relationship too far? Or can this even be considered a direct pt/physician relationship ? How does anyone make sure that the physician is licensed in the state where the pt is located? Does it matter… is it legal?
Is this the “ATM” of medical care?
Filed under: General Problems
A recent series in The Atlantic magazine concluded telehealth is no help. All the liability, no care. Game over, thanks for playing.
I would imagine this virtual exam will be done in conjunction with a mid-level provider – either an NP or PA to provide the physical exam findings to be transmitted to the virtual MD/DO. All I can say to this type of medical care is ‘you get what you are willing to pay’. The only involvement I want to have in this type of care is a list of resources for MD/DO providers who can provide medical care on a short-appointment type basis & who also provide care on a sliding scale – I have six on my current list. Google the subtle difference between viral sore throat & retropharyngeal abcess & think how a patient’s $45 might be better spent.
How can ‘chatting’ with a doc on a computer screen help a patient? If this was a wonderful thing, then why not just have ‘online clinics’ where people could just turn on their computer and chat with a doc online?
In these clinics, the question is who is testing, diagnosing and prescribing? And, can a doc really diagnose a patient without physically seeing them? And, to write a rx, can you say there is a physician/patient relationship?
When it comes to controlled substances, it would be completely illegal to prescribe without seeing a patient in person. As for the idea in general, it is nothing, but an attempt by Rite Aid to increase the number of scripts.
As for doctors who will participate in this sham, I hope they lose their licenses soon enough before they can seriously hurt people. Let me put it this way. Can you fix the computer by talking to a customer via Skype? I don’t think so.
How can you diagnose without any physical exam, including auscultation or palpation? It’s impossible. Oh well, take this Zpak and use some prayers QID PRN.
I can’t see the whole article w/o a subscribing so maybe the article answers my question…what about the physical exam part of the visit for the issue. Example if i go in complaining of ear pain, how’s the ‘virtual doc’ going to determine if it’s otitis vs ear wax without looking in the ear?