Telemedicine and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Directions for the Future

Abstract

Summary: Telemedicine holds vast amounts of potential in changing the way outpatient plastic and reconstructive surgery is practiced. Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, video conferencing was used by a small fraction of medical specialties. However, since the start of the pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the largest private health insurance companies have relaxed regulations to allow the majority of specialties to use video conferencing in lieu of in-person visits. Most importantly, video conferencing minimizes patient and physician exposure in situations such as these, and decreases risk in the immunocompromised population. Video conferencing, which has been shown to be just as safe and efficacious in treating patients, offers the ability to follow up with physicians while saving travel time and travel-related expenses. This in turn correlates with increased patient satisfaction. Video conferencing also allows physicians to expand their reach to patients in rural areas seeking advanced professional advice. Incorporating video conferencing into existing practices will make for a more efficient practice, improve patient satisfaction, and decrease cost to patients and the health care system.

The Role of Telemedicine in Surgical Specialties During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

“…In one survey of plastic surgeons, 71% of the respondents stated that they plan to incorporate telemedicine in their daily practice even after the pandemic subsides. Patient satisfaction was equal to or better than face-to-face visits owing to decreased costs and time spent on travel [ 49 ].…”

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Effect on Public Sentiments Regarding Elective Plastic Surgery in the United States

“…[26][27][28] These studies demonstrate that plastic surgeons have implemented telemedicine to minimize patient-physician exposure and to decrease the spread of COVID-19. 29 Besides saving time and avoiding travel-related expenses, patients having video visits report higher rates of overall satisfaction when compared to inperson visits. 29,30 We strongly believe the trend of adopting telemedicine will persists even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, and may become the default option for some routine outpatient clinic visits.…”

Plastic surgery education in the COVID-19 pandemic: hindrance or opportunity?

“…Telemedicine has predominantly been used for screening, triaging routine consultations. The incorporation of telehealth services has increased efficiency with patient consultations and follow-ups, with high satisfaction rates from healthcare providers and patients [ 4 , 5 ].…”