Teleneurology is rapidly expanding to improve care for patients with various neurological disorders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconsultations have become an integral part of neurological practice. In fact, the popularity of telehealth in general increased dramatically during 2020 and is projected to continue its upsurge in the coming years. Recent surveys indicate that the majority of patients have shown interest in utilizing telemedicine in the future. This increase in patient demand for more efficient means of care is altering the face of patient-doctor communication. The integration of telehealth into the already existent healthcare system also poses for a decrease in the current inadequacies of delivering care.
Direct-to-patient teleconsulations in various neurological subspecialties such as movement disorders, epilepsy, headache, neuromuscular disorders, memory disorders and dementia are becoming the standard of care. The lack of proper access to care, coupled with long clinic wait times, can delay diagnosis and treatment. Untimely treatment can potentially lead to increased disability in patients with various neurological problems.
Teleneurology provides an excellent solution to these concerns by delivering patients an expert opinion from the ease of their homes. This method of care is time-efficient and cost-effective for many patients, particularly if the individual cannot travel due to encumbering disabilities and dependency on caregivers. Remote access to care is also vital for patients concerned about their immunocompromised status and risk of COVID-19 infection during this pandemic. Moreover, it is difficult to find a neurology subspecialist, such as a neuroophthalmologist or epileptologist, in remote places. Telemedicine provides an excellent option for these patients to get the best possible care online without worrying about travel time, expense and risk of infection.
Almost every neurologist has practiced teleneurology, using only a telephone to provide expert opinions to their colleagues or patients. The technology used to deliver online services has now advanced, and with the use of high-quality broadband connectivity, patients can seamlessly be evaluated. This technological shift over the past decade has made the use of videoconferencing the leading mode of online patient examination. This provides more reassurance and comfort to physicians, their patients and the patients’ families.
Individuals with chronic neurological issues require complex medical multidisciplinary care, and teleneurology platforms are making it feasible to provide those comprehensive and patient-centered services. This approach has helped with better outcomes in patients with chronic neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorders.
In addition to remote patient evaluation, teleneurology has also made it possible to connect neurology experts with local primary care physicians. This collaborative care model is gaining attraction as it can help local clinicians manage multiple patients in a timely and cost-effective manner. Remote specialists are connected with primary care providers to educate and guide the local physicians on how to manage various neurological issues. This model is attractive for various reasons, including higher quality of care and cost savings.
NeuroX is the pioneer in online neurology ecosystems for direct-to-patient teleneurology consultations. We focus on affordable and easily accessible specialty care for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Our team also facilitates the scheduling of diagnostics and treatment services at very affordable rates including labs, radiology, at home EEG, delivery of medications, and infusions. We have taken the initiative to establish the migration of neurological care from traditional neurology centers to patients’ homes, nursing facilities and memory care units. With various modern applications and programs, NeuroX is delivering the most advanced and comprehensive care to patients with neurological problems.
