With the development of the Internet, many of our activities take place online. Medicine is no exception. Patients can visit doctors by phone call and video chat. Online searches for telehealth increased sharply.
Online visits are best suited to simple tasks, like refilling prescriptions (doctor’s orders), as well as diagnosing (诊断) and treating conditions that rely on a doctor’s sense of sight — pink eye, rashes, etc. — or a patient’s description of symptoms, such as back pain. Telehealth also works better at monitoring chronic (慢性的) conditions, such as congestive heart failure, where doctors don’t need to provide a new diagnosis but simply check up on patients, monitor symptoms and discuss the side effects of medication. Diabetes (糖尿病) is also a good fit: people can upload blood sugar levels, dosing, and other information for a doctor to review electronically.
Mental health service is easy to access digitally, too, though it comes with advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, doctors may not be able to see body language, which can sometimes be a clue to understanding a client’s well being, and a poor Internet connection can be particularly unfavorable during a difficult conversation. On the other hand, there are patients who like it better. “Some health care providers even say having that extra bit of distance makes people more honest and less stressed to talk about difficult topics,” says Annette Totten, a professor who has studied telehealth.
When done right, Totten’s research shows telehealth benefits both health care providers and patients. It can significantly reduce hospital admissions, which frees beds for people in need of special care. And it’s a lot more convenient for patients, adds Michelle Greiver, a family doctor.
26. How is the medicine industry changing?
A.convenient | B.popular | C.difficult | D.digital |
27. What kind of disease is fit for a virtual medical visit?
A.Heart attack | B.High fever | C.Uncomfortable eye | D.Back injury |
28. Why do some mental health patients prefer online service according to the passage?
A.Because it reduces their pressure. |
B.Because it saves them transportation cost. |
C.Because it saves them time on the road. |
D.Because it makes it easier for them to contact the doctor. |
29. What’s the author’s attitude toward online medical visits?
A.Negative. | B.Supportive. | C.Doubtful. | D.Uncertain. |
30. Which aspect of online healthcare does the text focus on?
A.application | B.effects | C.development | D.advantages |