From care as straightforward as migraine relief to providing advanced treatment for dementia, telehealth has been utilized to treat patients across the country. When considering the benefits of telehealth, neurology is often an underutilized specialty. A recent telehealth survey by the American Medical Association found that 98% of neurologists exercise telehealth services in some capacity throughout their practice. Of those surveyed, 66% agreed or strongly agreed that telehealth increased their professional satisfaction. Even so, many facilities have yet to embrace tele-neurology as a modern and effective approach to delivering neurological care. By allowing specialized neurological treatment to be delivered remotely, tele-neurology is a viable option for facilities and patients facing various conditions.
Despite its benefits, there remains a misconception that tele-neurology is less effective or feasible than traditional in-person care. This has left many facilities missing opportunities to improve and expand care reach to patients. However, this is not the reality for the patients who have received easy access to treatment through telehealth services. Tele-neurology has played a crucial role in overcoming geographical barriers, especially for those located in rural and underserved communities with little to no access to neurological care and treatment. An article from the Association of Healthcare Journalists discussed the ability to provide neurological exams to patients from their homes or a nearby clinic by simply having them stand up from a chair or walk across the room. Tele-neurology allows diagnostic professionals the ability to quickly assess patients, cutting wait times and expanding reach of care.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant factor contributing to the rise of tele-neurology. Telemedicine gave the ability to treat patients through social distancing and has been adapted today to safely provide care to restricted, elderly and high-risk patients. An article by the AMA reported that of the 23 key elements needed to conduct a single-element neurological examination, only two cannot be done through telemedicine. Even after the peak of the pandemic, telehealth use in various medical specialties across the U.S. was still about 38 times higher than before the pandemic. In neurology, it accounted for 13% of outpatient visits nationwide.
Utilizing technology to advance neurological care and treatment has continued to expand. Advancements in artificial intelligence and neuroimaging technology have revolutionized patient treatment and diagnosis. High-resolution imaging techniques provide faster diagnoses and targeted treatment. Although tele-neurology has limitations concerning imaging and scans, the technology continues to advance rapidly, and its availability provides timely care and treatment.
At Locumtenens.com, tele-neurology solutions and flexible models are tailor-made for specific needs. LTtelehealth offers remote and hybrid coverage models to match facility volumes and necessary coverage requirements. With over 16,000 licensed clinicians and active programs in 43 states, strategic advancements are within reach. Tele-neurology offers advancements and benefits to providers, facilities, and the overall specialty. Locumtenens.com realizes these benefits and provides them to facilities across the country. To learn more about the benefits of a partnership with us, contact one of our skilled account representatives today.
About the author
Jeremy Alexander
Vice President, Neurology and Physiatry
Jeremy Alexander is vice president of LocumTenens.com’s Neurology and Physiatry divisions. He joined the company as an account representative in 2005 before transitioning into a sales account executive role and senior account executive role in 2012. He was promoted to managing director in 2015 and again in 2020 to oversee the neurology team. Jeremy graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in broadcasting and a double minor in journalism and political science. He has won numerous awards while at LocumTenens.com, including Manager of the Month, Producer of the Month, Sales Associate of the Year and the MAX Award for Psychiatry, and he is a member of the 20-Million-Dollar Gross Profit Club. He lives in Alpharetta with his wife, their three children, two dogs and one cat.
