8 Things to Know About Telemedicine if You Have Crohn’s Disease

The popularity of telemedicine has surged in recent years, and thanks to a growing number of telehealth apps, it’s easier than ever to visit a doctor. While these platforms can be convenient for anyone, they may be especially useful for people with chronic health conditions — like Crohn’s disease — who require frequent check-ins.

Technology makes it easier and cheaper to see your doctor, which may encourage you to check in more often. Regularly touching base with your doctor via telehealth may, in turn, help you manage your condition better and even reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups, according to a study published in March 2020 in the journal Smart Homecare Technology and TeleHealth.

“There’s no question we’ll find that a mix of telehealth and inpatient appointments will lead to better outcomes,” says Louis Cohen, MD, an assistant professor of gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Ready to try it? Here are eight things you need to know about telemedicine if you have Crohn’s disease.

1. You’ll Have to Visit Your Doctor to Get a Diagnosis Before Virtual Appointments Can Start

If you’ve never been diagnosed with Crohn’s but are experiencing symptoms that may be caused by an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as abdominal cramps, persistent diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, you’ll need to visit your doctor in person, says Dr. Cohen.

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will likely use an endoscope (a small camera affixed to a long tube) to look inside your colon, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor may also want to take a small tissue sample, or biopsy, of your colon as well as schedule other imaging tests, such as a fluoroscopic X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, or MRI, before making a diagnosis.