The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), in Quintana Roo, Mexico, will start a pilot program of digital consultation for diabetic, hypertensive and chronic degenerative patients.
The IMSS seeks to provide an accessible service through the implementation of consultations using telemedicine. The IMSS Digital Consultation pilot program in Quintana Roo will be carried out synchronously through video calls between doctor and patient.
Dr. Xóchitl Refugio Romero Guerrero, head of the IMSS in the state explained that this modality is part of a national strategy of the Institute. It is designed so that beneficiaries who have difficulties attending an in-person appointment can receive the service remotely. The program has been implemented in four Family Medicine Units (UMF), No.11 and 13 in Playa del Carmen, and 14 and 16 in Cancun.
The service is aimed at patients living with diabetes, hypertension and other controllable chronic diseases. These are follow-up consultations to maintain contact with the specialist. If in the consultations it is established that a physical examination is necessary, the patient must attend a traditional consultation, in this way the service can be mixed depending on the needs of the patient, the doctor will determine if his physical presence is required or not.
This modality has also been made available to patients who tested positive for COVID-19 and are recovering at home. Consultations last approximately 15 minutes and are geared toward patient monitoring and general checkups.
The offices of the four FMUs were equipped with Internet service, audio equipment such as headphones and a microphone, and software to make video calls.
