(Newswire.net — March 19, 2021) — Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, patients have still had continued access to genetic counseling, all thanks to online visitation. Telehealth has been a vital key in connecting care providers through devices such as computers, tablets, and cellphones. A particular area in the medical industry, genetic counseling – was well suited to the format and allowed patients to easily access care which was especially necessary for those who have complex conditions. It is not strongly believed that virtual care will outlast the pandemic and sources say, “advocates for technology are now making an all-out push to cement a permanent role for telehealth.” Genetic counselors often assist with managing the health of both children and adults and consist of gathering health histories from patients to assess their risk with regards to genetic issues.
Telehealth Trends in 2021
A comprehensive study by JP Griffin Group shows that in the year of the COVID-19 pandemic nearly half (43.5%) of Medicares’ primary care visits in April 2020 were made using telehealth, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The enormous impact of telehealth in the healthcare industry has amounted to stellar market projections where it is estimated to surmount $185 billion by 2026, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Genetic Counseling Examinations
Genetic testing is voluntary and the decision to be tested is a personal and complex one, which is even more so since Telehealth has become available. A genetic counselor or geneticist will be able to provide information about the benefits as well as possible complications of the test whilst also discussing the emotional and social aspects of testing. Virtual genetic counseling is conducted via video or phone and telehealth for genetics has followed the effective model of other telemedicine visits by providing convenient healthcare while increasing access for those in geographically distant populations. The use of telehealth has significantly improved the way patients feel empowered by the information they receive, and they can therefore make a calculated decision regarding treatment. (See genetic testing for more information)
What are Genes and their functions?
Genes are segments of DNA that will tell a person’s cells what to do which ultimately helps determine how we look and how our bodies function. This set of instructions will determine whether the body of the living being will produce molecules called proteins. A geneticist will be able to target and oftentimes improve aspects of their patients’ lives with genetic engineering which can provide a variety of benefits for people who have been for example been diagnosed with rare diseases.
What does Genetic Testing entail?
Genetic testing can aid doctors by enabling them to diagnose conditions by using a blood or saliva sample. A geneticist will look for mutations in DNA that have been inherited from a patients’ parents and can help confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine whether a patient may develop or pass on a genetic disorder.
Get a faster and more accurate online genetic diagnosis with FDNA Telehealth
For any clinical trial, it is a formidable task recruiting and retaining patients and the process becomes even more challenging if there are geographical issues or no access to service. By using telehealth to support patients across the board geneticists can offer screening to their patients, provide care, explain the services that FDNA Telehealth offers, and help them understand their condition better. Although there are some healthcare professionals who have concerns about using telehealth, the general consensus is that patient satisfaction with telehealth genetic counseling services is high and has the potential to improve access to services which would be a major benefit in an industry where there is a growing and high demand for genetic services. Telehealth is considered to be more convenient than traditional in-person service delivery due to a reduction in traveling and waiting times for patients who are in need of assistance urgently.
FDNA Telehealth – Changing the game for precision medicine
With the use of artificial intelligence (AI) an accurate detection of physiological patterns can reveal much about a patient, such as a disease-causing genetic variation. Telehealth is currently dominating the health care sector, and based on the data, it is here to stay. With the professional guidance and assistance of the world’s largest network of clinicians, labs, and researchers FDNA Telehealth has established themselves as “one of the worlds’ fastest growing and most comprehensive genomic databases”.