Augmented teleconsultation: 6 reasons for doctors to adopt this approach

The evolution of medicine: why integrate augmented teleconsultation?

Faced with a shrinking number of doctors and the growing needs of patients in terms of access to care, teleconsultation has emerged as an effective alternative.

However, it raises questions about :

• the possibility of performing a clinical examination,
• diagnostic quality,
• and administrative burden.

Augmented teleconsultation responds to these challenges by integrating connected medical instruments and a structured framework, improving the quality of care while offering practitioners greater flexibility.

Here are six reasons why it should be adopted.
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1. Combating medical deserts

Access to healthcare remains a major issue in France.
Nearly one in three French people now live in a medical desert, and many patients have difficulty getting an appointment, particularly in rural and suburban areas.

With augmented teleconsultation, patients can consult a doctor remotely while benefiting from a setting equipped with connected medical instruments, usually in a pharmacy or health center.

This solution enables us to provide more efficient care, without the need for time-consuming travel.

Why is this an advantage?

• Easier access to healthcare in under-serviced areas
• Reduced waiting times for patients
• Better coordination with local healthcare professionals
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2. Improving access to local healthcare

Traditional teleconsultation generally takes place from the patient's home, which limits its effectiveness when a clinical examination is required.

In contrast, augmented teleconsultation takes place in a medical environment, with adapted equipment and often a healthcare professional present.

The result is a diagnostic capacity of up to 90%, compared with just 40% for conventional teleconsultation.

This approach enables teleconsultation to be integrated into the usual care pathway, in direct contact with pharmacists, nurses and other medical professionals.

Benefits for physicians:

• Fewer consultations interrupted by lack of clinical examination
• Optimized monitoring of patients with chronic diseases
• Better collaboration with local professionals
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3. Connected medical tools for more accurate diagnosis

One of the limitations of conventional teleconsultation is the impossibility of physically examining the patient.

Augmented teleconsultation integrates several connected medical instruments torefine diagnosis.

Connected medical tools available :

• Stethoscope: cardiac and pulmonary auscultation
• Otoscope: ear canal examination
• Dermatoscope: observation of skin lesions
• Oximeter: oxygen saturation measurement
• Tensiometer: blood pressure monitoring
• Thermometer: measuring body temperature
• Scale: weight and BMI tracking

These devices improve diagnostic accuracy and guarantee care that is as effective as in the office.
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4. Reduce the administrative burden to focus on the essentials

One of the main obstacles to medical practice is the administrative burden, which directly impinges on the time actually devoted to patients.

Augmented teleconsultationalleviates this constraint thanks to digital tools that :

• simplify medical records management
• make it easy to book appointments
• automate billing

It can also be used to automate certain key steps, such as collecting symptoms upstream and writing medical reports downstream.

Concrete benefits :

• Centralized interface for consultation management
• Automation of certain administrative tasks
• Saving time for doctors, enhancing the value of medical time

With a well-structured system, practitioners can refocus on their core business, optimize their organization and devote more time to patients.
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5. Increase your income with a side business

Augmented teleconsultation can be an effective way of diversifying your business andoptimizing your working time.

It enables :

• practice remotely, without the expense of a physical office
• adjust the volume of consultations according to availability

A flexible, cost-effective model:

• Stable and complementary remuneration
• Flexibility to adjust working hours
• Opportunity to increase consultation volume

A doctor can thus supplement his income while optimizing his medical time.
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6. Greater flexibility and quality of life

Doctors' work schedules are often intense, with long days and little personal time.

Augmented teleconsultation enables you to manage your schedule more effectively and flexibly.

Why is this an asset?

• Less travel, less fatigue
• Schedules can be adapted according to availability

Thisimproves work-lifebalance, without compromising the quality of patient care.
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Conclusion: Why integrate augmented teleconsultation into your practice?

Augmented teleconsultation represents a major evolution in medical practice, responding to current challenges in the healthcare sector.

It enables :

• Better access to healthcare, especially in under-serviced areas
• More reliable diagnosis thanks to connected medical tools
• Reduced administrative burden‍
• Increased income with stable additional activity
• Greater flexibility for the practitioner

With a structured framework and adapted technologies, it is an effective and viable alternative for doctors wishing to adapt to new patient needs.
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Find out more about augmented teleconsultation

Would you like to integrate augmented teleconsultation into your practice and find out more about the solutions available?

Contact us to explore the different options available for your practice.

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