Virtual Mesothelioma Treatment During Coronavirus Pandemic

It is an extremely dangerous time for patients with mesothelioma. The novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic is especially perilous for people with existing lung and respiratory conditions, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. A patient with mesothelioma should obey recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization in terms of staying home, social distancing, and staying safe. It may still be possible to receive mesothelioma treatments without leaving one’s home, however, due to virtual health technologies.

What Is A Virtual Doctor’s Appointment?

Patients with mesothelioma, a type of cancer related to asbestos exposure, are in the high-risk category for the coronavirus. Coronavirus is especially threatening to patients with serious illnesses and immunodeficiencies, such as those with cancer or who are receiving chemotherapy. It is critical for patients with mesothelioma to isolate themselves at home as much as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Doing so may require the use of innovative health tools such as virtual medical treatments to keep up with doctor’s appointments.

A virtual appointment with your health care provider could allow you to connect with your doctor via phone or video chat – no in-person visit necessary. This allows you to stay safer from the coronavirus by discussing your treatments with your doctor without leaving your home. For example, your doctor could call you to discuss your health care needs over the phone during the pandemic. Virtual appointments can even use telemedicine technology such as video conferencing tools so your doctor can assess how you look during your treatment.

What Types Of Mesothelioma Treatments Can You Complete Through Telehealth?

Telemedicine, or telehealth, has proven invaluable during the pandemic. During a time when it is unsafe for people with cancer to leave their homes or be around other people – especially physicians who may have interacted with patients with COVID-19 – telehealth provides a modern-day solution. If you have a smartphone, laptop or computer, you can see your doctor for mesothelioma treatment from your living room. You may be able to schedule a remote appointment even with only a landline. Most doctors can assist patients with several matters during virtual mesothelioma appointments.

• Initial health consultations. If you are a new patient who is curious about whether you might have mesothelioma, a physician could handle your initial consultation virtually. A doctor can ask about your symptoms and recommend further testing without an in-person visit.
• Follow-ups. If you previously received blood tests, x-rays or other tests to diagnose you with a condition such as mesothelioma, your physician can go over the results with you virtually.
• Questions and answers. Most physicians can listen to your questions and provide professional answers through telecommunications. If your symptoms have changed or you have other issues related to your condition or health care, for example, your physician could most likely answer them virtually during the pandemic..
• Management of medications, treatments or lifestyle changes. Telemedicine could help you work with a doctor or specialist on how to handle your treatment plan. If your care involves a lifestyle change, a physician could also provide virtual counseling on this topic.
• Discussions about trial opportunities. If your physician learns of a new clinical research study, drug trial, therapy or medication, he or she may be able to discuss it with you further and check if you are a good candidate without an in-person visit. You can get more information or a referral to the related clinic or specialist virtually.

While doctor’s offices still value face-to-face interactions and cannot do some things virtually, when telehealth options are available and appropriate, they can be a safer alternative to in-person visits during the coronavirus pandemic. Virtual appointments can provide effective mesothelioma care while keeping you safe from risks of coronavirus transmission. Ask your doctor if a virtual visit is possible for your mesothelioma treatments during COVID-19. If so, someone from the doctor’s office can walk you through how to install any required software to complete a telehealth visit.