In early 2020, the United States, along with the rest of the world, found itself battling the Coronavirus pandemic. With many unanswered questions about the transmissibility, mortality rate, and risk factors, the government responded by taking decisive action in shutting down schools, businesses, and everyday life for most Americans. Most states issued some version of a “Stay at Home” order that required anyone who could work from home to do so and closed any business not considered “essential” to infrastructure. This included the closing of doctor’s offices and hospitals to all but emergency care.
Telehealth or Telemedicine Explained
With doctor’s offices closed to anything not labeled an emergency, many practices turned to telehealth as a means of keeping on top of non-emergency situations with their patients. Telehealth refers to the use of technology to consult with a patient or transmit medical information. This includes the transfer of electronic records, as well as the use of video conferencing for consultations.
Telemedicine refers specifically to the use of long-distance communications, such as video conferencing and telephone appointments to consult with patients and recommend treatments for specific conditions.
Many health providers were engaging in telemedicine even before the COVID-19 pandemic made it a reality for nearly every medical provider in the U.S. Today, even as the “Stay at Home” orders are being slowly lifted all over the country, many health providers are finding that telemedicine is a valuable tool for providing health care at a distance when an in-person consultation is not necessary.
Telemedicine at the Costa Mesa Podiatrist
Dr. Jeffery Kleis has been treating patients in Southern California for more than 20 years. He specializes in all manner of conditions for the feet and ankles, including injuries, conditions related to aging, and the treatment of nail fungus. Dr. Kleis is a leader in the use of laser technology for treating nail fungus. He has also been instrumental in the development of new laser technology and training doctors all over the world in the proper use of lasers for nail fungus treatments.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Kleis and his staff were unable to treat non-emergency patients in their Costa Mesa office. This opportunity allowed Dr. Kleis and his staff to embrace the technology and procedures necessary to effectively administer telemedicine to their patients who could not visit a doctor's office, but who still found themselves with questions and conditions that required attention.
Through video conferencing, using applications like Skype and Zoom, Dr. Kleis and his staff were able to meet with patients, recommend treatments, and provide prescription medications. Using these technologies allowed Dr. Kleis and his staff to remain available to patients during a difficult time and ensure that patient needs were met as fully as possible during an unprecedented crisis.
Dr. Kleis’ Current Office Procedures
While the “Stay at Home” order in California is slowly being lifted, doctor’s offices all over the state are beginning to resume “normal” business in their offices. At his clinic in Costa Mesa, Dr. Kleis and his staff have adopted enhanced sanitation practices, are requiring the wearing of face masks for everyone who visits, and are enforcing social distancing requirements as recommended by the CDC.
Dr. Kleis’ clinic is clean and safe to visit, should you have any condition that requires an in-person examination or if you prefer to visit the clinic, rather than schedule an online, telemedicine appointment.
Telehealth For The Future
Recognizing the convenience and safety of telemedicine visits, Dr. Kleis and his staff will continue to offer telehealth appointments for anyone who feels more comfortable consulting from their home. They plan to continue offering telehealth into the foreseeable future.
If an in-person appointment is necessary for successful treatment, Dr. Kleis will assist you in finding a convenient time to visit when you feel comfortable doing so.
To schedule your in-person or telehealth appointment with Dr. Kleis, call (714) 760-4944.