Ankle Telemedicine Planning Considerations.

A virtual medical visit, also known as telemedicine or telehealth, is a valuable alternative method of providing health care to patients who do not have easy access to a hospital, or during times when limited social interaction is crucial such as our current COVID-19 pandemic. A virtual approach to evaluating musculoskeletal system ailments is particularly challenging, for diagnosis of these conditions generally rely greatly on physical examination, which may be challenging. However, a properly planned and executed telemedicine visit will yield successful results in most cases. Our aim is to produce a document with instructions and suggestions, including physical examination maneuvers, to help physicians carry out a proper virtual medical visit with patients complaining of ankle musculoskeletal problems. Virtual visits should not be thought of as a replacement for traditional face-to-face medical consultations, but rather a complementary method to provide health care when deemed appropriate. By following this guide, and tailoring it to the specific case at hand, medical providers should be able to effectively carry out a successful telemedicine consultation for musculoskeletal ailments relating to the ankle.Levels of Evidence: Level V.

Foot evaluation via telephone and video virtual medical visits.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine plays a very important role in our society by allowing providers to treat patients who do not have easy access to a healthcare facility, especially in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to create an extensive, yet concise guide for medical providers to virtually evaluate patients with foot concerns. METHODS: This article outlines how to conduct a well-planned virtual consultation with specific questions, instructions, and examination manoeuvres to navigate musculoskeletal foot problems. CONCLUSION: With this narrative review, we have provided a guide with suggestions, questions and interpretations of answers to help physicians new to the practice of telemedicine have successful virtual encounters with patients suffering from foot musculoskeletal ailments.