Banty Co-Founder and Medical Director, Dr. Richard Tytus, provided the subject matter and direction for this article. The author would like to thank Adam Grant for his editorial assistance in writing the article. Dr. Richard Tytus takes responsibility for the content of the article.
We have come to learn over time that there are a substantial number of benefits associated with virtual medicine services. For doctors, virtual visits with patients mean the ability to conduct appointments from anywhere, not just from their physical medical clinic. As for patients, they no longer have to commit a great deal of time to get to and from an in-person doctor’s appointment.
Of course, these are just a couple of the multitude of perks telemedicine affords both doctors and their patients.
Beyond those two groups, have you ever thought about the positive impact doctor-patient video conferences can have on the environment? We have, and would subsequently like to bring you up to speed on this important matter.
Cars are Kept in the Driveway
Let’s say you have 15 online doctor’s appointments scheduled for next Tuesday. Normally, these individuals would pile into their vehicles and make the drive to your medical clinic.
Some of these patients could live (theoretically) around the corner, and only need to drive five minutes to see you. Others, meanwhile, would usually be a 15-, 20-, 30-minute drive from your clinic. They could switch to a doctor closer to them, but don’t want that hassle.
These same individuals who usually drive in from a great distance often stop for gas on the way because their vehicle guzzles it quick. They’ve also tended to use their appointment with you as an excuse to spend more time on the road that day completing various tasks.
Now, because of virtual visits, these 15 people are off the road. Instead, they are using a computer, smartphone, or tablet to have a live video chat online with you. They are participating from their home or office, rather than burning fuel to attend an appointment that doesn’t require an in-person format.
By simply encouraging these patients to stay parked and join you for an online doctor visit, you are doing your part to keep the air a bit cleaner.
Idling Gets Eliminated
Occasionally, patients will need a loved one to drive them to a doctor’s appointment. However, we can’t assume these drivers will want to come inside and hang out in the waiting room until their person’s session is complete.
Especially on very hot or very cold days, drivers will sit in their vehicle – with the engine running – in an effort to keep the AC or heat on. If an appointment runs long, these vehicles will dole out needless emissions into the atmosphere by idling.
Having more online medicine appointments eliminates this from happening and helps your clinic truly practice green healthcare.
Less Waste is Accumulated
Even if your clinic properly disposes of all waste each and every day, there is still a lot of it going out the door. Replacing a chunk of in-person appointments with online doctor’s appointments will play a small, but effective part in minimizing how much waste is being created by your clinic.
Going this route will decrease how many latex gloves, face masks, paper tissues, cotton swabs, supply packaging, food and drink containers, etc., your clinic has to consistently dispose of. What’s more, it’ll slow down the frequency in which new supplies need to be ordered and shipped to your location.
Energy Usage is Reduced
If your clinic’s virtual medicine services take off, you may opt to keep the doctor’s office closed certain hours each week and conduct appointments remotely.
Powering down the clinic as much as possible (even if it’s mostly just the lights and some of the equipment) is an easy way to participate in a green health initiative and do your part to conserve energy.
Tap here to learn more about Banty’s virtual medicine solution!
