When I started to practice Telemed almost 5 years ago, I was skeptical that the absence of a physical interaction will leave both the patient and me discontent. What I have learned is that you can "connect with and touch" the patient FULLY even on a phone or video call. The opposite is also equally true. Many in-person doctor-patient visits don't make the patient feel touched.
Famous essayist wrote to his doctor shortly before dying of prostate cancer: "I wouldn't demand a lot of my doctor's time. I just wish that he would give me his whole mind just once, be bonded with me for a brief space." I have learned to be with the patient with my whole mind and be bonded with them even when on the phone or video. It is not only possible but even more, needed in telemedicine consultations to make up for the missing non-verbal cues of empathy.
