Ty Gluckman, MD: Using Telemedicine to Improve Access to Care

Access to doctors has long been one of the biggest hurdles in medicine.

For example, someone living in New York City has inherent advantages in accessing top doctors over someone who may live in a more rural part of the country.

However, with the advent of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, some of these barriers that have long existed may be finally coming to a close.

In an interview with HCPLive® during Pri-Med West 2022 in Anaheim, Ty Gluckman, MD, Medical Director of the Medical Director, Center for Cardiovascular Analytics, Research, and Data Science (CARDS), said telemedicine has improved care for many, but there still remains some challenges.

For example, regulations make crossing state lines difficult for many.

In addition, not every disease can be treated over a video conferring call.

Gluckman said he is able to consult with patients about things like cholesterol, but there are some cardiovascular diseases that will still require in-person appointments, like patients with heart failure.

But overall, the advent of telehealth is a net positive.

“I would say the pandemic and telehealth has dramatically accelerated the ability to overcome some challenges of access,” he said.