Truck drivers and other professionals working in remote locations are great beneficiaries of the expanded telehealth technology that has been driven by COVID. Here’s what the CEO of one major driver telehealth program has to say about their services. “Through the urgent care program, drivers will have 24/7 access to medical care for common illnesses and injuries via computer, mobile app or phone, including nights, weekends and holidays. “What we’ve learned in our work with transportation companies is that drivers’ schedules make it difficult for them to see a doctor when they’re sick or injured,” said Bill Goodwin, CEO of MeMD. “This results in a lot of absenteeism, which creates scheduling problems and delivery delays — especially for smaller companies. With virtual urgent care, it’s fast and easy for drivers to connect with a medical provider on the road, even in remote areas. In addition, medical professionals are available outside typical office hours to accommodate drivers’ schedules and remove barriers to care.”
“Truckers are uniquely vulnerable when it comes to receiving proper healthcare for reasons that extend beyond the mobility and unusual hours the job requires. Many truckers are independent contractors. They have few protections and aren’t covered by any kind of corporate health insurance, so they need to decide whether to purchase their own. Telemedicine is less expensive than traditional care, and it’s timely and mobile. It’s precisely what truckers need. Trucking-affiliated companies understand the potential benefits of linking drivers with medical services, so we can expect to see more companies offering telemedicine-focused insurance for those in the industry. It may not be comprehensive in the manner of traditional insurance, but because it’s mobile and affordable, truckers are more likely to use it, and that’s ultimately what matters. Long-distance trucking is a unique profession, and it isn’t going away. We’re a long way from self-driving tractor-trailers. So it’s important for the medical industry to bridge that gap. Telemedicine can make truck drivers healthier and make our roads safer, but it can also help truckers build relationships with the medical system that will encourage pursuing care in the long term. (healthworkscollective.com)
