What is TeleHealth?
TeleHealth is the inclusive term that encompasses all uses of technology geared to remotely deliver health information or education. TeleMedicine is the use of medical information exchanged from one person to another via electronic communications regarding a specific patient's clinical health status.
As COVID-19 has shaken up many industries and social distancing is still encouraged by many, by offering TeleHealth we can do our part to help the community by limiting person-to-person contact in some situations where it may not be necessary. Given the current state of technological capabilities, available research, and the current State and Federal regulatory landscape, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) believes that veterinary TeleMedicine should be conducted only with an existing Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR), with the exception for advice given in an emergency until that patient can be seen by a veterinarian, this is considered TeleTriage.
If your emergency is able to be resolved without a farm visit, TeleHealth charges may apply.
As COVID-19 has shaken up many industries and social distancing is still encouraged by many, by offering TeleHealth we can do our part to help the community by limiting person-to-person contact in some situations where it may not be necessary. Given the current state of technological capabilities, available research, and the current State and Federal regulatory landscape, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) believes that veterinary TeleMedicine should be conducted only with an existing Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR), with the exception for advice given in an emergency until that patient can be seen by a veterinarian, this is considered TeleTriage.
If your emergency is able to be resolved without a farm visit, TeleHealth charges may apply.
How can this benefit my horse and I?
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Examples of TeleMedicine Situations
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While we service a very large area of Maryland including the Eastern Shore, some clients and barns may be far away from our Lothian location. By utilizing TeleHealth, this can save Trip Charges and also give answers to whether you need a visit or not. Not sure of your horses next steps in rehab? You can send a video of their progress and maybe receive an answer without the visit. |
Requirements of TeleHealth
In order to have a TeleMedicine appointment, our practice must have performed a TeleHealth Entry Physical (if we have not seen your horse in the past year) or a routine annual physical (often done at vaccination visits). This allows us to establish your horses baseline "normal" such as pre-existing health concerns, allergies, heart and lung health, and eye exam. By establishing your horses baseline we can better answer any questions or concerns you may have. By having this basic exam this also allows for a valid VCPR between all parties involved. Think of TeleMedicine as advice like you would receive on a radio talk show while TeleHealth is when we know you and your horse and have a working relationship.
How Does it Work?
What are some of the services we can offer?
If you still have any questions feel free to call our office and the can guide you on how to handle TeleHealth and TeleMedicine.
- Quick Evaluation or Teletriage: Has your horse suddenly come up lame or not sure if a wound needs sutures or not? By sending photos and videos our veterinarians can help decide whether a visit is needed or not. Unsure if your horse is uncomfortable? Our veterinarians can also walk you through a basic physical in order to assess your horses comfort and possible issues. This comes in handy for any emergencies that may occur or to decide whether it is an emergency.
- Non-Emergency Care Questions: Our veterinarians can answer a variety of concerns without a visit. Questions such as dietary, dermatological, worming, and general health can be answers based off of our base exam and any issues you may be concerned about.
- Follow-Up Care: If your horse has undergone any procedures some follow-up appointments can be one virtually and save a trip to the farm. By sending photos and videos our veterinarians can assess wounds, sutures, lameness, post-operative care, and rehabilitation stages.
- Prescription and Medication Administration: If your horse is on a long-term medication such as Prascend and Equioxx or even a short-term medication such as antibiotics, you can talk with a veterinarian to have medication refilled or discuss continuing or discontinuing medication. All of our veterinarians have access to your horses medical record and history at any time in order to better aid you and your horse.
If you still have any questions feel free to call our office and the can guide you on how to handle TeleHealth and TeleMedicine.
