When is it relevant to offer teleconsultation to your patients? And when is it not?

Modern medicine is constantly evolving thanks to innovations and digitalization. One of the most significant advancements in recent years is video consultation, which allows for flexible and remote medical care. Through a secure video connection, doctors can conduct diagnoses and consultations remotely, offering an effective alternative to traditional in-office visits.

When is teleconsultation appropriate?

Not all medical consultations require a physical examination. In some cases, a thorough anamnesis via video is sufficient to initiate appropriate treatment. Here are the situations where video consultation is a valuable alternative to in-person appointments:

• Post-operative follow-up and chronic disease management – Patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions can be monitored remotely in a simple and effective manner.
• Psychological consultations – Teleconsultation has become an effective method in psychotherapy, making mental health care more accessible to patients experiencing emotional or psychological distress.
• General medical consultations – Initial assessments of symptoms, medication adjustments, or the interpretation of test results can be conducted remotely.
• Dermatological issues – Skin conditions can often be evaluated through photos and detailed video observations.
• Pediatric consultations – When a child falls ill or gets injured, parents quickly become concerned. A video consultation can provide an initial assessment and reassurance. Dr. Winter from Swiss Medi Kids highlights that this approach often helps avoid unnecessary trips.

When is video consultation not sufficient?

While telemedicine offers many advantages, some situations still require in-person care:

• Medical emergencies – Certain urgent cases require immediate, hands-on treatment and cannot be handled remotely.
• Examinations requiring physical contact – Measuring blood pressure, palpating organs, or conducting swabs can only be performed during an in-office visit.
• Patients with technical difficulties – Elderly patients or those unfamiliar with digital tools may struggle to use teleconsultation technology.

Which patients benefit most from teleconsultation?

Teleconsultation is particularly beneficial for individuals living in rural areas. In regions with limited access to medical services, video consultations help patients avoid long travel times and waiting periods. Likewise, people with reduced mobility or disabilities can consult a doctor more easily.

Working professionals and those with busy schedules also appreciate the flexibility of remote consultations, which can be more easily integrated into their daily routines.

Furthermore, in cases of infectious diseases, video consultations allow for diagnoses without exposing other patients or medical staff to potential contamination. Additionally, assisted teleconsultations – for instance, via pharmacies equipped with adapted technology – enable individuals who are less comfortable with digital tools to access remote medical care effortlessly.

What role does teleconsultation play in today’s medical practice?

Today, video consultation has established itself as a complementary solution to in-office consultations. It offers greater flexibility for both patients and healthcare professionals and optimizes the use of medical resources.

However, it cannot completely replace physical consultations, particularly for certain diagnoses and treatments that require direct patient contact. It is therefore essential to evaluate on a case-by-case basis whether a video consultation is appropriate or if an in-person appointment is necessary.

The future of telemedicine in Switzerland

In the future, video consultation is expected to expand into even more diverse applications. As digital infrastructures continue to develop, specialists will be able to intervene more easily in remote areas, providing more equitable access to healthcare.

Artificial intelligence (AI) could also play a key role in symptom analysis, assisting doctors in making more precise diagnoses.

Another promising area is preventive medicine. Regular health check-ups via video could enable early detection of diseases and provide better support for patients in managing their health. Wearable health devices, such as smartwatches that measure heart rate or glucose levels, could also be integrated into video consultations, allowing doctors to access real-time patient data.