Dr. Bekaii-Saab on the Future of Telemedicine in CRC

Tanios S. Bekaii-Saab, MD, FACP, medical oncologist, medical director, Cancer Clinical Research Office, vice chair and section chief, Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, discusses the future of telemedicine in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic,​ the role of telemedicine has expanded significantly in CRC, says Bekaii-Saab. During this time, it ​has become clear that the capacities of this technological advancement are strong, ​explains Bekaii-Saab. It is likely that telemedicine will continue to benefit patients after COVID-19. 

Prior to the pandemic, ​many patients ​with CRC had to travel long distances for treatment, says Bekaii-Saab.

Although the widespread implementation of telemedicine occurred earlier than anticipated, the technology allows for patients who do not need to be physically present in the clinic to continue receiving optimal care regardless of their geographic location, concludes Bekaii-Saab.