The New "Digital" Exam

When the radiation oncologist’s office called to schedule my follow-up visit after external beam radiation, I was taken back when asked, “Can we do this remotely via mobile phone or a video hook up?” I soon learned the office was experimenting with a new way to interface with prostate cancer patients who were scheduled for an annual check-up.

Trying out Telehealth

While I was offered the opportunity for a personal visit, it became clear the direction was to encourage all patients to try a Telehealth visit. Given I always have the results of my hypersensitive PSA test sent to me in advance of meeting with my urologist or radiation oncologist, I was comfortable agreeing to such a call.

During the conversation with the office staff person, several new terms surfaced as she looked for available dates and times. Apparently my new “digital” visit was going to be different than those in the past.

What's the difference between Telehealth and Telemedicine?

After the call, I wanted to get a better understanding of the differences between a Telehealth visit and a Telemedicine visit. I learned the latter refers to remote digital clinical services, while Telehealth refers to remote non-clinical services.

Telemedicine uses email, smartphones, and video conferencing for exchanging medical information between patients and various healthcare providers. It is being used more frequently for people who are unable to reach healthcare providers. I also discovered that Telemedicine technology has been a significant game-changer for medical practitioners because it brings healthcare directly to a patient’s doorstep.

Meeting my radiation oncologist online

Currently, in my life, I am 2 years out of radiation treatment for recurring prostate cancer -- 5 years after my prostatectomy. During my 8-week radiation protocol, I met with my radiation oncologist weekly. The meetings gave both of us an opportunity to develop a good repartee. His smile and the way he handled himself was always reassuring.

When this same oncologist called, I found myself speaking to a different person. The tone of the call left me wondering: “Who am I speaking with?” His entire persona and mannerism were totally clinical. During the call, I suddenly realized I had become a phone number and patient voice on the phone. No longer was Dennis the guy he could smile at in his office.

Telehealth can make it harder to connect

Over the years, most doctors develop an ease and level of comfort meeting patients face to face. My experience revealed the potential that a digital visit while efficient, can easily depersonalize any interaction between doctor and patient.

Realizing his discomfort with this new method of interviewing patients, I asked questions about how things were going at the hospital. I asked how he and others were holding up under the stress. After a few questions, he suddenly became more relaxed and we were able to engage in a much better conversation about my recovery and my reactions to radiation and Lupron.

Be prepared for your next Telehealth visit

While I appreciate and support the use of technology for medical visits, men who have been diagnosed or treated for prostate cancer often need emotional support just as much as they need clinical information.

Before you agree to a new digital health visit be sure you understand that this type of office visit will require you to listen more closely for verbal clues. Moving forward, sharing your concerns, and being honest with doctors will take on greater importance.

So here is wishing all of you the best of luck with your next “digital” exam.