THE ESSENTIAL
- Teleconsultation can take place with the pharmacist, at the doctor’s discretion.
- The patient is debited from his bank account and then reimbursed in the same way as in a standard consultation
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The government program “My health 2022 ” had already made it a priority, but the coronavirus epidemic accelerated the deployment of teleconsultation in pharmacies. “The central role of the pharmacist in the system described by the government is beyond doubt for us. It is the central pivot of proximity care. Through teleconsultation, it makes it possible to integrate vulnerable populations or those less experienced in new technologies into the equation of access to healthcare. And this everywhere in France, insofar as pharmacies are not concerned with medical deserts “, says Arnault Billy, CEO of Sure*.
Medical devices connected via USB
Concretely, the pharmacist provides the patient with a technical platform comprising a computer connected to the Internet, equipped with a webcam, a microphone and medical devices connected via USB (stethoscope, otoscope and sphygmomanometer, oximeter). “The idea is of course not to compete with doctors, but to be present on medical deserts “, explains Gilles Bonnefond, president of the Union of Dispensary Pharmacists Unions (USPO).
Teleconsultation can take place with the pharmacist, at the doctor’s discretion. The latter can in particular assist him when using the connected instruments. “The equipment of pharmacies is essential so that the consultation takes place in good conditions “, adds Gilles Bonnefond.
After the teleconsultation, the patient is debited from his bank account and then reimbursed in the same way as in a standard consultation. He then has the possibility of transmitting any dematerialized prescription – 74% of teleconsultations are subject to a prescription – to his pharmacist and thus leave with his treatment.
Need to be accompanied
If teleconsultation is now part of the daily life of almost one in three French people, many are not yet using it, for various reasons **:
– their attending physician does not use it;
– ignorance of the practice;
– a preference for physical consultations;
– a need to be accompanied. Retired people represent only 10% of teleconsultations, due to lack of computer skills.
“Teleconsultation in pharmacies can also be very useful for patients suffering from chronic pathologies or following a complicated treatment to take, such as oral anti-cancer drugs for example, completes Gilles Bonnefond. It also avoids moving tired patients and putting them in contact with hospitals when they are away from home. ”
* 1,600 pharmacies have already equipped themselves with the Maiia device.
** Source: CSA study carried out in 2020.
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