July 20, 2020
After being out of the office for several months, I returned last week to conduct therapy with several patients who wanted to be seen in person. It worked out well even though it was only for one morning. This week will be two mornings and some of the other therapists are also beginning to return. In setting up the office, we have followed the CDC guidelines and made the necessary precautions to keep the office disinfected.
Virtual doctor visits and therapy sessions have been described as the wave of the future that is here now. In fact, there are reports of increased utilization of visits because telehealth is easy. There are many platforms and all you have to do is just log on and your doctor is there for you. There are those patients and doctors who appreciate not having to drive to the office or put their health at risk.
Telehealth has worked out well but, in my opinion, it is no substitute for seeing a patient in person. Maybe I am old school, but I get so much more out of being in the same room with a patient. While watching a computer screen, you don’t get to see a person’s body language or catch some mannerisms that are not apparent. There are also nonverbal cues that patients present that can easily be missed. The richness of emotions and the experience of shared compassion does not translate well via a computer screen.
Personally, getting out of the home to go to work felt like freedom. It was good to get back into the office and work directly with people.
Yes, I am definitely old school. I will also continue to practice telehealth to see those patients who want to be seen online.
If you are struggling during this pandemic, call the office and you will be seen in person or online.
