Doctors Turn to Thumbs for Diagnosis and Treatment by Text

Companies like CirrusMD offer chat diagnosis, in which doctors remotely connect with and treat care recipients by text messaging, reports the Associated Press . Such services typically cover injuries or minor illnesses normally managed by a doctor's office or clinic. Their business is expanding due to a campaign to improve care access, keep people healthy, and limit costly visits to the emergency room. However, some physicians are concerned about the quality of care provided by such services, given that doctors do not see recipients, and might have a limited medical history to consider before planning treatment. "If the business opportunity is huge, there's a risk that that caution is pushed aside," said Thomas Bledsoe with the American College of Physicians. Message-based care providers claim they take measures to ensure safety, and recommend in-person doctor visits when necessary. They also say a comprehensive medical history is not always essential, while doctors do not always require vital signs like temperature and blood pressure, but can coach recipients through taking them if necessary. Physicians also can elect to hold video or phone conversations when needed.