Neurology refers to the study of the human brain and nervous system. It is a difficult subject to master, requiring years of study, but those who complete the educational requirements can acquire a long and successful career.
After working so hard to establish your neurology career, you deserve the chance to build the work lifestyle you want. The digital landscape allows patient care services that were not possible in the past without face-to-face interaction. As a healthcare professional yourself, virtual opportunities could change the way you conduct your work.
If you are a neurologist or are pursuing a career in that specific field, you might be wondering if the remote lifestyle is accessible. Doctors usually have to be with patients to do their jobs, right? Fortunately, neurology jobs can be remote in many ways. Let’s explore the telehealth opportunities that current and future neurologists can take advantage of.
The Advantages of Telehealth Appointments for Neurologists
Telehealth is a newer trend in the healthcare industry. It refers to the process of patients receiving care over time and distance when they might not otherwise be able to go see a doctor. For a neurologist who wants to lead a remote lifestyle or at least a hybrid work setup, this is great news. Telehealth offers many advantages to neurology professionals, including:
Work-Life Balance
Performing telehealth appointments can allow you to spend more time at home. Instead of going to the practice for every appointment, you can conduct it from a home office.
Avoiding Wasted Time
Patients sometimes face health concerns that are bigger in their heads than they are in reality. With a virtual appointment, you can quickly determine if it is an issue worth exploring further, thereby saving time if it is not.
Fewer Commutes
Live a little far from your practice or the hospital you work at? Working remotely on some days will allow you to save money on gas or public transit since you won’t have to commute as much.
Patient Comfort
Your job is to take care of patients, and many of them are uncomfortable in healthcare environments or they find it hard to schedule appointments. Offering telehealth solutions can make some patients happier and more comfortable.
There are many services that you can perform through live video conferencing technologies with your patients.
How Can Neurologists Work Remotely?
Patient Interviews
Since neurologists are concerned with the health of a patient’s brain, spinal cord, and nervous system, it is important that they speak to patients directly. With a live video platform, you can schedule appointments with your patients when it is convenient for them, whether they live close or far away from your practice. However, you can still ask them questions about how they are feeling and if they are experiencing any symptoms of a potential cognitive condition or spinal cord damage.
Cognitive Testing
During a telehealth appointment, you can take things a step further than simple check-ins with patients. Simple cognitive tests can be conducted through a live video conference call. This is an important tool for a neurologist who needs to determine if a patient is struggling with a brain disease.
Physical Exam
Clearly, an in-person exam of your patient is going to be more effective in diagnosing any issues. However, if there is no major reason for concern, a basic examination can be done via telehealth solutions. This allows the patient to spend less time during the day for their appointment while still giving you a chance to examine them physically using the camera. Then, if there is something that needs to be seen up close, you can schedule an in-person visit.
Other Responsibilities That Can Be Remote
The services mentioned previously all involve patient appointments. However, when you find a neurology physician job, there are other elements of this career that are important for patient care.
Analyzing test results is one task that neurologists do consistently. Perhaps you conducted a cognitive test during your appointment and recorded their answers or made notes on their behaviors.
You can now examine those results at any time, which means doing so right from your home if you wish. Other than the examinations of patients, much of your work is done behind the scenes and between those appointments, analyzing data, measuring test results, and coming up with treatment plans.
Risks of the Remote Lifestyle
Some careers are naturally designed for the remote lifestyle. As a neurologist, you have to be a little more creative, but you can still enjoy the benefits of working remotely. However, there are also some risks.
First, the quality of care is hard to maintain entirely through videoconferencing. Second, remote workers can tend to gain weight at home. If you can be on the lookout for these concerns, then working as a neurologist remotely can make your job that much more enjoyable.
Explore Your Options Using Modern Telehealth Solutions
Modern technology is a gift to many professionals, and neurologists are no exception. Telehealth services allow you to do your job well and care for patients while giving you more freedom and flexibility for a better work-life balance.
If you are looking to embrace a hybrid or remote lifestyle, research how other physicians have adapted their responsibilities to a new style of work.
