Just as technology must evolve to meet consumer needs, telemedicine has reached a pivotal point in its development that finally makes it a realistic option for senior living providers. Telemedicine talk and try-outs have long been part of resident care discussions, but only now can the technology really start making good on its promise of providing effective virtual care-bringing physicians and residents together, despite the miles between them.
It’s welcome news for senior living companies seeking innovative ways to enhance the resident experience by making medical care accessible in ways that are both convenient and cost effective. Plus, as acuity continues to rise, the need for quick and easy access to physicians and specialists grows for residents-and being able to meet that need also makes a community more competitive.
Exploring Care Options
The term telemedicine could encompass a variety of technologies, including wireless in-room monitoring systems for residents and some emergency-call systems. But on the cutting edge of those technologies is telemedicine in its truest sense-the use of audio, video, and other means to capture vital signs, transmit data between multiple locations, and facilitate virtual visits with physicians. Most technologies specific to telemedicine “seek to replicate remotely what happens in a clinical setting, a doctor’s visit, or a nurse’s visit,” says David Stern, chief professional officer of Living Independently Group, a telemedicine technology supplier based in New York City.
Traditionally, if a resident needs to see a physician, a family member must provide transportation and assistance or arrange for the resident’s community to do so. Either option can be a logistics challenge, an additional expense, and a stressful situation for the resident.
“It makes logical sense to explore the role [telemedicine technology] could have in assisted living, and in senior housing in general,” says Elizabeth Wheatley, corporate director of clinical operations for Newton, Massachusetts-based Five Star Senior Living. In addition to enhancing resident care, Wheatley also sees the long-term business benefits. “The bottom line is we want to help our residents stay as healthy as possible so they can stay with us. So I think this will help us with resident retention in the long run.” Ideally, Wheatley envisions a telemedicine system that combines video communications and clinical data. “It could allow more frequent communication between the resident, the community, and the provider. That means you might be able to identify subtle changes in their condition a little early on,” she says. Researchers at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock have shown that such a system is possible. They have been working with a local assisted living community to demonstrate a telemedicine system that incorporates a desktop audio-visual system and a hand-held camera for diagnostics. Researchers report the ability to deliver a variety of primary care services remotely that will reduce the need for in-person visits.
Testing the Technology
Since telemedicine technology began rolling out in recent years, senior living executives have been watchful of its business benefits. More than this, though, they’re intrigued by the potential boon to overall resident wellness.
“The idea that we can do some minor diagnosing through a [virtual consultation] versus sending someone to the ER just to get diagnosed for a urinary tract infection-that’s what interests me,” says Bettina Suarez-Roskosh, national director of clinical services for McLean, Virginia-based Sunrise Senior Living.
At The Arbor Company, based in Atlanta, Vice President of Quality Mary Campbell Jenkins points to a variety of in-room and kiosk-based technologies that allow residents to self-collect data and report various vital measurements such as weight, blood pressure, and even blood sugar levels. The information is recorded for caregivers and sent electronically to physicians.
This type of telemedicine technology in some ways “enforces a discipline about collecting that information,” Campbell Jenkins says. “It heightens awareness and, from a corporate perspective, it allows for a greater degree of oversight.”
On the other hand, implementing telemedicine technology isn’t as simple as buying a new gadget and using it. As with any technology purchase, the consumer assumes risks-and in the case of telemedicine kiosks, an unforeseen circumstance forced The Arbor Company to discontinue the use of such a kiosk at its community in Decatur, Georgia.
The company installed the kiosk about two years ago. Residents quickly learned to use the machines to record their own vitals, and that information was then sent to their physicians.
About Prescription weight loss drugs through Telemedicine
Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) is an amphetamine-like prescription medication that suppresses appetite. It helps increase weight loss by making you less hungry or by convincing the mind to remain full for longer periods. Phentermine can also be found in combination with topiramate for weight loss (Qsymia).
Phentermine works like most other prescription weight-loss drugs meant for overall weight-loss. It is recommended for individuals who are obese, and those who find difficulties losing enough weight with diet and exercise alone. It’s not suitable for individuals who want to lose just a few pounds.
Phentermine is a Schedule IV drug, meaning it has a potential for abuse. However, after looking at the actual potential, it appears to be low.
Common side effects of phentermine include:
Increased heart rate
Tingling or prickling feeling in hands or feet
Dry mouth
Insomnia
Anxiety
Constipation
What are the best foods to eat while taking phentermine?
Foods rich in fiber such as beans, whole grains and brown rice, nuts, baked potatoes (but you have to eat the skin), berries, bran cereal and vegetables.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain water and fiber that add volume to your dishes, making you to eat the same amount of food with fewer calories.
Telemedicine Phentermine Weight Loss Consultations
Telemedicine (Telemed) Weight Loss consultations also known as Telehealth or Virtual office visits are solo medical encounters with a licensed medical practitioner. They provide an online medical encounter which removes the burden of visiting the doctor. The aim is to build a personalized weight loss program for the viewer.
How long does it take to see results when taking phentermine?
Phentermine passes through the gastrointestinal tract and becomes fully concentrated in the blood in three to 4.4 hours. This is the period when you should start feeling the effects and become alerted that the drug is working. The short-term effects of Adipex may include loss of appetite and euphoria.
Do people gain weight after stopping phentermine?
After finishing my 90 days of Phentermine at the end of August, I had a great experience. It was very essential in overturning my bad habits and reforming my relationship with food as well as understanding what my body wants/needs.
As far as weight gain is concerned, I lost another 7 lbs in September since finishing Phentermine (and being on a long vacation so that’s a real win). Phentermine doesn’t burn fats, it simply suppresses appetite, making it easier for you to cut back. People regain weight because they stop exercising once they go off it and begin to gain appetite again. This is common in any weight loss method – counting calories, weight watchers, as well as bariatric surgery; you start regaining weight when you come back to normal. But you won’t need to worry If you’re willing to do the work.
Growing Popularity of Telemed Consultations
Telemed, E-VISITS and video conferencing was established over the last couple of years. When Covid-19 became a pandemic in the spring of 2020, telemed went through technical advances, acceptance, and high popularity. Physicians and patients believe that the safest and most efficient way to do medical weight loss office visits is online. Moreover, Telemedicine encounters reduces burden of travel, costs and reduces the burden of visiting medical offices usually filled with interruptions and exposure to sick patients. Both patients and physicians enjoy these encounters. Some non-emergency health problems that work well with telemedicine include diabetes, hypertension, and especially weight loss.
Online phentermine clinic gives you access to a board-certified internist, endocrinologist, and weight loss specialist for prescription diet pills.
Nutritionists have a good relationship with each patient and based on their knowledge, they can craft meal and snack plans that are match with each patient’s age, gender, activity level, food preferences, nutritional needs and medical conditions. They integrate these state-of-the-art diet plans with pure, prescription diet products that suppress the desire for sugary snacks, eliminate fatigue as well as curb the appetite. According to reports, over 90% of Telemdicine patients successfully loss weight with most of them losing 20 or more pounds per month.
They have a team of doctors, nutritionists and coaches who will answer questions, offer suggestions, address concerns and professionally guide and support you.
Can I get Phentermine delivered directly to my home?
Yes, this is possible through a mail order pharmacy that will deliver directly to your home. This visit costs $110 and includes a 30-day supply of the medication delivered via UPS in 2-3 business days.
Can I pick up my telehealth Phentermine prescription from my pharmacist?
Yes, your prescription will be sent to your favorite local pharmacy. You will pay for the Phentermine when picking up at the pharmacy. If your insurance lacks coverage for Phentermine, then your telehealth provider can easily guide you on coupons and discounts found online.