Telemedicine, like any other nephrology technology, can be vital in advancing care to a maximum number of people. The WHO report further highlights the Burden of Kidney Disease (CKD) on the global population and economy. 

Do you know 1 in 10 people in the world have CKD?  And, that’s not the worst part. Every year millions of CKD patients die from non-availability of timely care. Nephrology telemedicine can bring the right care at the right time. In this blog, we delve deeper into how telemedicine can do so.

What is Nephrology? 

Nephrology is a specialist field in medical science. It deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the kidneys. A Nephrologist is a certified kidney expert. They ensure that our bean-shaped organs are healthy and doing their job perfectly. 

Kidneys are present just below the ribcage on either side of the spine. It performs numerous vital functions like:

• Removing waste and excess fluid from the blood
• Maintaining your body’s electrolyte balance
• Releasing hormones with functions such as managing blood pressure

A nephrologist is well aware of how important technology is in modern healthcare. Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are recommended home dialysis- which relies significantly on remote monitoring solutions,

What Does A Nephrologist Do?

People who study & treat kidney-related diseases are termed Nephrologists. They not only have expertise on diseases that specifically affect the kidney, but they’re also very intellectual about how kidney disease or dysfunction can affect other body parts.

Although the primary care doctor will function to help or prevent and treat the early stages of kidney disease, a nephrologist may be called upon to help diagnose and treat more severe or complex kidney conditions. 

What Conditions Do Nephrologists Treat?

Nephrologists conduct several types of diagnosis and treat the following conditions:

• Blood or protein in the urine
• Chronic kidney disease
• Kidney stones, although a urologist may also treat this
• Kidney infections
• Kidney swelling due to glomerulonephritis or interstitial nephritis
• Kidney cancer
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Renal artery stenosis
• Nephrotic syndrome
• End-stage kidney disease
• Kidney failure, both acute and chronic

A nephrologist can also be involved when other factors cause kidney disease or dysfunction, including:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus
• Medications

Role of Telemedicine Software in Nephrology

Telemedicine in rural areas has maximized the capacity and ability to render timely and acceptable healthcare for cases with ESKD. Effective dialysis care requires a staff nephrologist instantly available to coordinate care for dialysis cases and a proper structure for water treatment systems and dialysis outfits. 

For these reasons, clinicians in rural hospitals generally transfer cases taking dialysis to other, larger hospitals, occasionally hundreds of long hauls down. These transfers reflect broader poverties in access to timely and effective specialty care services and may lead to poorer issues for the rural population. 

Telemedicine software is changing how nephrologists (kidney doctors) take care of patients. Here's how:

• See patients from anywhere: No more long trips for patients in remote areas.
• Monitor health remotely: Monitor vitals and medication use for better care.
• Stay connected: Talk to patients regularly for better communication and education.
• Save time and money: Less travel for both patients and doctors saves everyone time and resources.

Overall, telemedicine nephrology software helps nephrologists provide better care for their patients, making it a win-win for everyone.

How Does Telemedicine Impacts Nephrology?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool to offer on-time care to people with kidney concerns and diseases. Here’s a breakdown of its impact: 

Bridging the Distance Gap:

Telemedicine helps patients living in remote areas who are far away from a specialist. They now access expert nephrologists via their smartphones or other internet-connected devices. Plus, virtual consultations also ensure that nephrologists can see more patients with the time saved. 

More Than Just Check-Ups:

Not all patients need in-person visits. Some need routine check-ups and monitoring which telemedicine helps them do easily. This saves time to focus on more complex cases, ensuring everyone gets the care they need.

Better Management for Chronic Conditions:

Patients with CKD need 24*7 monitoring. With telemedicine nephrology, doctors can not just monitor patients but also interact with caretakers in real-time. High-quality remote care allows providers to detect complications early. They can change medication or adjust treatment plans better. 

Home Dialysis Support on Demand:

Nephrology telemedicine is a lifesaver for patients on home dialysis. Most telemedicine platforms support monitoring devices. Providers can collect reports conveniently, offer guidance, and address any concerns remotely. Both patients and providers are empowered to manage care effectively.

Benefits for Busy Practices:

Most telemedicine nephrology platforms come with smart tools and advanced features. They streamline workflows and also automate routine tasks such as appointment booking, reminders, etc. This allows providers to focus more on care, and also use their resources more efficiently. 

Stronger Communication, Stronger Care:

Modern care, especially in ESRD and CKD cases, has to be timely and coordinated. Telemedicine nephrology helps meet both these requirements. With features like video/chat consultations, e-prescriptions, EHR, and more- a telemedicine platform allows better care communication and coordination. It ensures everyone is on the same page when it comes to a patient's kidney health.

Why Choose VCDoctor Telemedicine?

Now that we know what telemedicine nephrology is and what makes it so impactful in kidney care, let’s explore a white-label telemedicine platform that makes this all possible.

VCDoctor has been the trusted telemedicine platform for providers before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic. This telemedicine solution comes with a sleek user interface and an intuitive design. Patients and providers have rated VCDoctor as one of the most convenient telemedicine platforms. 

And, of course, it's feature-packed!

VCDoctor Telemedicine Platform for Providers Features: 

• Mobile Payments & Billing
• Quick Prescription Access
• Easy Appointment Management
• Seamless Booking System
• Instant Patient Record Access
• RPM Integration
• HIPAA Compliance
• Payment Gateway Integration
• E-Prescription
• Video Conferencing

VCDoctor Telemedicine Platform for Clinics Features: 

• HD 2-way Video
• Online Booking Appointment
• Online Payment Collection
• Electronic Charting
• eConsent
• Patient e-visit Management
• Automated Follow-up Call
• Telemedicine Reports
•  EHR Integration
•  HIPAA Compliance & Security

VCDoctor Telemedicine Platform for Patients Features: 

•  Doctor Search
•  Appointment Booking & Scheduling
•  Video Conferencing
•  Online Payment
•  Manage Personal Health Records
•  E-Prescription
•  Medical Records
•  Data Security
•  Registration Feature
•  Chat/Video Consultaion

Wrapping Up!

It would not be wrong to say, "Nephrology telemedicine will not just reshape but redefine kidney care for millions of patients across the globe." The future of kidney care is here. 

Nephrology telemedicine isn't just a trend, it's a revolution. Redefine your practice and empower your patients with a telemedicine platform designed for nephrologists.

Imagine:

• Saving valuable time with streamlined workflows and automated tasks.
• Expanding your reach to provide convenient care for patients everywhere.
• Fostering stronger relationships with improved communication and collaboration.

Don't just reshape kidney care, redefine it. Contact us today to learn how our nephrology telemedicine solution can transform your practice.

Original Blog Source: https://www.vcdoctor.com/blog/what-is-nephrology/