The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way many of us are conducting our work. This includes medical providers. With non-essential outings discouraged nationwide, it may be difficult… Read More >
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way many of us are conducting our work. This includes medical providers. With non-essential outings discouraged nationwide, it may be difficult for your personal injury clients to seek the treatment they need. However, many providers have effectively adapted their treatment options and included telemedicine services.
How is treatment different since COVID-19?As medical providers are navigating current social distancing norms and advisories, one of the key differences in treatment is an added emphasis on managing patients’ fears. Health providers are taking serious precautions, and changing the way they treat and evaluate patients.
Going to the doctor’s office isn’t the same as it used to be; doctors are balancing protecting the health of their staff with assuring patients that they can still secure regular treatment to full recovery. While some forms of treatment (such as steroids) may be postponed, we have seen the widespread use of telemedicine as a remote solution to treat patients since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Definition: Telemedicine refers to the practice of using telecommunications technology to evaluate, diagnose and care for patients at a distance.
Telemedicine originally developed as a way to provide care to rural communities, however, this technology is now being popularized to reduce costs and promote safety. Telemedicine ensures your clients can receive medical advice from the comfort of their own home. This is especially beneficial for clients with limited mobility or compromised immune systems.
Additionally, telemedicine appointments can be covered by private health insurers, which reduces any issues related to financial inaccessibility.
Client advocacy should not stop when attorneys explore medical treatment options through telemedicine. If you are comfortable doing so, reach out to your clients’ health providers on their behalf to understand what their appointment will entail. Every physician and office will have slightly varied protocols and procedures, and understanding your client’s experience will help you prepare them for their visit.
For example, if your client will be seeing a specialist, they should expect to have an initial assessment and to schedule follow-up appointments in person. Every client has a different comfort level and different treatment needs, it’s more important than ever to go to bat for them. The key is to avoid gaps in treatment for the sake of your client’s recovery.
When it comes to auto insurance companies, there is no set standard on how they will evaluate telemedicine appointments when it comes time to demand your case. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a universal experience that will change our “normal” for years to come. We can expect telemedicine to only grow in popularity.
More important than the unknown is being proactive in documenting your client’s injuries. Doing so will ensure there are no gaps in treatment so as to maximize recovery and compensation.
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If your law firm is exploring remote solutions for handling your personal injury cases, the CASEpeer team is here to help! Email us at info@casepeer.com or book a demo to learn more about our cloud-based case management software.
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