Virtual Check-Ups: How Telemedicine Changed Doctor Visits in South Korea

During the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea saw a big change in how people got medical care for minor illnesses. Telemedicine, or virtual doctor visits, became a popular option. This shift happened between February 24, 2020, and February 23, 2021. Researchers looked at data from almost 3 million people with mild respiratory or gastrointestinal issues. Telemedicine led to more prescriptions, especially for antibiotics. People who started with a virtual visit often followed up with an in-person appointment quickly. Those who began with an in-person visit were more likely to switch to telemedicine for their next check-up. Interestingly, there were no major differences in emergency room or intensive care unit visits, except for a slight increase in general ward admissions for gastrointestinal issues. The study suggests that telemedicine can work well alongside traditional in-person care for minor conditions. It didn't seem to affect patient safety. However, there are still questions about how telemedicine will affect healthcare in the long run. More research is needed to figure out the best ways to use telemedicine and understand its long-term effects.This shift in healthcare delivery raises important questions. How can we make sure telemedicine is used effectively? What are the long-term effects on patient care and healthcare systems? These are critical questions that need to be addressed as telemedicine becomes more common. Telemedicine isn't just about convenience; it's about access. People in remote areas or with mobility issues can now get care more easily. But it also means doctors have to adapt to new technologies and ways of communicating with patients. The rise of telemedicine also brings up issues of digital divide. Not everyone has access to the internet or a device for virtual visits. This could lead to disparities in healthcare access. It's important to consider these factors as telemedicine becomes more integrated into primary care.