Using Telemedicine to Care for the Asthma Patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the data supporting the use of telemedicine (TM) and to provide practical guidance for practitioners to optimize the care of their asthmatic patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Previous to the pandemic, TM was little used in various aspects of asthma care. Since the pandemic, TM has been increasingly used in new ways to care for asthma patients at various locations. In addition to direct-to-consumer visits for asthma care, other forms of telehealth visits have been increasing such as facilitated visits, asynchronous, remote patient monitoring, e-consults, and mHealth. Moreover, patient and provider satisfaction with the use of TM has been increasing and is comparable at times with face-to-face visits. In this review, best practices for starting a telemedicine asthma service with patients at home, distant clinic sites, and various other locations, including school-based asthma programs, are reviewed. SUMMARY: TM is a valuable adjunct to face-to-face visits for asthma care. Following the recommended best practices can strengthen the implementation of a telemedicine asthma program (TMAP) into clinical practice. Providers must be vigilant in keeping current with the various nuances required for asthma telemedicine care in preparation for the post-pandemic environment.