Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, has made the shift to telemedicine at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute a priority, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Sept. 6.
Dr. Vacarro, president of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, told the Inquirer that he now meets half of his patients in person for the first time in the operating room. About 70 percent of his nonsurgical visits are done virtually.
Dr. Vaccaro said telemedicine calls can be less nerve-wracking for patients and less formal for physicians..
"With these technologies, it’s just me and the patient online, so we don’t need to have a medical assistant bring them back for an interview or to be seen in the office,” he told the publication. “Information gathering can all be done online."
Telemedicine has also helped since Rothman's office staffing is down 15 to 20 percent since January. Dr. Vaccaro said staffing is improving with vaccinations.