Rheumatology Advisor: Telemedicine Can Enhance Quality of Care for Patients in Rheumatology if Barriers Are Overcome
Telemedicine is particularly valuable for people living with rheumatic conditions because these patients are at potentially elevated risk for worse COVID-19 outcomes due to comorbidities and the use of immunosuppressive drugs such as glucocorticoids and biologics that heighten risk for infections and require close monitoring for side effects. As telemedicine improves and its optimal uses come into clearer view, we can expect that people living with rheumatic disease will have more options for maintaining contact with their rheumatology team, which is vital for better outcomes.