The concept of telemedicine or telehealth has been around for decades, but its popularity and adoption has been dismal. The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly changing that. With restrictions over movements and anxiety over exposure to the virus, many patients are turning online and opting to see doctors remotely for their healthcare needs. 

The benefits of telemedicine are many and some even unexpected - faster diagnosis and treatment, increased accessibility to care and stronger connections with patients. In times like this, telemedicine has helped millions gain access to healthcare in a safe manner. Platforms such as Halodoc and Alodokter in Indonesia have seen an exponential increase in demand, with its monthly active user base surging past 20 and 30 million respectively. 

Yet, telemedicine is not without its limitations as some doctors have stressed. Virtual consultations cannot replace the value of face-to-face physical examinations. There is inevitably a risk of missed diagnoses or misdiagnosis with virtual consults. Furthermore, there are regulatory and policy issues to be resolved around cross-border consultations, medical indemnity for doctors and data security, for telemedicine to truly take off. 

In the post COVID-19 world, telemedicine is likely to become more mainstream and used alongside traditional models of care. The transformation of healthcare envisaged for years, might just be happening right through this pandemic.