Telemedicine kiosks have arrived at a location near you

As technology evolves and telemedicine is able to expand, more and more people are able to use these new innovations in ways that haven’t been seen before. Imagine a day at work when you’re feeling a bit sick and all you have to do is go into the lobby to consult with your doctor, well now you can as more and more offices are implementing telemedicine kiosks, reports Kaiser Health News.

Until relatively recently, telemedicine was only available by hospitals and clinics to ensure a secure doctor-to-patient interaction. Now these kiosks are popping up on personal phones, computers, workplaces and even airports.

As a way to combat high prices while delivering high quality care, these kiosks are saving money by removing the travel and wait times for most patients while avoiding the costly visits to the emergency room or urgent care. With kiosks services costing just about $15, a much lower cost than the average $50 spent at an urgent care center, the kiosks are able to evaluate symptoms such as colds, sore throats, upper respiratory problems, earaches and pink eye. Outfitted with touchscreens, medical screening devices and videoconferencing capabilities telemedicine doctors or nurse practitioners are able to acess the patient and email prescriptions to local pharmacies, while the patients pay either nothing or no more than $15 per session.

Health insurers such as Anthem and UnitedHealthcare are also promoting telemedicine by testing the kiosks at worksites where they have contracts. Anthem has installed 34 kiosks at 20 employers in the past 18 months.

John Jesser, an Anthem vice president, said kiosks are a good option for employers too small or disinclined to invest in creating an on-site clinic

“This technology should make it more affordable for employers of many sizes,” Jesser said.

Kiosks in the workplace have the most appeal as quiet, private spaces where patients can seek care. The cost per kiosk can range from $15,000 to $60,000, but the equipment is leading to improved care. Officials in Kansas City, Missouri, have estimated savings at least $28,000 a year from individuals choosing telemedicine instead of an in-person doctor visit. The city also estimates it has gained hundreds of productive work hours from the time saved by employees not having to wait to see the doctor and time taken out o work for appointments.

Some telemedicine kiosks are completely self-service, such as those made by America Well, and are able to offer users immediate access to a healthcare provider. American Well has currently sent out 200 kiosks and is still in the production of 500 more.