Social distancing has led to Midland Health releasing a new app called Basin MD that allows you to stay in touch with your doctor via phone, laptop and tablet.
“It’s a Facetime visit with the patient," said Dr. Stephanie Huhn with Midland Health in a recent interview with News West 9. "We talk about symptoms, we ask to do an exam, and then help decide what’s the next stage of the plan.”
Residents of West Texas have already jumped on board the app, avoiding those fearful waiting rooms filled with germs and sick people.
“The reason why this is really taking off now is because it’s so incredibly important to stay away from these public areas," Huhn said. "Catching something like COVID-19 could cause long-term or serious health consequences for those at risk.”
Telemedicine has been on the rise over the past years, but due to the current shutdowns and health regulations, it finds itself more prominent and vital than ever.
“There’s been a big surge in telemedicine for 6 to 10 years, but it’s just never gained traction because people like that personal interaction," Huhn said. "It is very likely that with this pandemic we will demonstrate to people how easy it is to do virtual medicine appointments."
Medicare last week announced that it is including tele-doctors in its coverage in a glaring sign of the times.
The news comes at no surprise to Huhn, however, as she believes it is the way of the future.
“I think in the future my regular office will be a mix of half virtual and half in person,” Huhn said.