What is Telehealth?
What is telehealth, and how does it work? Read below to find a comprehensive look at everything you need to know.
Overview
In the 21st century, telehealth seems like a logical step in the ever-growing medical field.
When most people think of telehealth, they think of doctor’s appointments or check-ups via Skype or other video calls. And while this is a massive part of telehealth, there is so much more to it than that.
THINKING ABOUT TREATMENT?
Call Us Anytime: 1-866-754-0180
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, is a rapidly growing field that revolutionizes how we approach healthcare.
Using cutting-edge technology, this innovative approach to medical care enables patients to receive medical support from anywhere globally, whether through video conferencing or remote monitoring devices.1
How Has Telehealth Evolved?
Telehealth has come a long way since its inception. Originally used primarily for doctor’s appointments and check-ups, telehealth is now used to connect with healthcare professionals. This includes mental health support, surgery, physical therapy, and even chronic disease management.
In addition, telehealth is being used increasingly to monitor patients with chronic conditions and provide follow-up care after hospital discharge.
Why Use Telehealth?
Telehealth has many benefits, from convenience to improved access to health care. With this innovative approach to healthcare, patients can connect with healthcare professionals from anywhere in the world, at any time.2
Telehealth improves access to care by eliminating barriers such as geography and transportation.
With telehealth, patients in rural areas can connect with healthcare professionals in urban areas. It is also beneficial for elderly patients and those with disabilities that find it challenging to move around.
Telehealth and the Pandemic
Telehealth is beneficial in a pandemic when it can be difficult for doctors and nurses to reach their patients due to travel restrictions or social distancing measures put in place by authorities.
Through telehealth, those on the front lines of a pandemic can better stay connected with their patients, monitor progress, and share information about best practices for remaining healthy in a chaotic time.
What Can Telehealth Treat?
Here are some of the most common diseases telehealth can treat:
Different Skin Conditions
Telehealth is also being used to treat different skin conditions. For example, it can help diagnose and treat skin cancer or psoriasis, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions.
Doctors can make a more accurate diagnosis through remote monitoring and video conferencing.
Mental Health
Telehealth can provide therapy for those with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Through video conferencing, patients can receive therapy from the comfort of their own homes.
Chronic Disease Management
Telehealth manages chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. In addition, telehealth can provide follow-up care after hospital discharge, and doctors can monitor their patients’ progress.
Headaches and Migraines
It can also treat headaches and migraines. In addition, doctors can track patients’ progress and ensure they take the proper medication by remote monitoring.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Telehealth can also treat musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and back pain. By using video conferencing, patients can receive the care they need from the comfort of their own homes.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Telehealth can treat gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation.
What Kind of Technologies Makeup Telehealth?
The internet allows medical providers to connect with their patients virtually, using web-based platforms like video conferencing or secure messaging systems.
Furthermore, the internet provides vital medical data and resources, from patient health records to drug information and clinical guidelines.
Video Conferencing
Video conferencing allows clinicians to communicate with their patients in real-time, regardless of distance.3
Store and Forward Imaging
This technology allows clinicians to capture images, videos, or patient data and then send them electronically to a specialist for interpretation. It can be done in real-time or asynchronously.
Streaming Media
Telehealth allows users to transmit and receive data over the internet, enabling real-time communication between individuals. This includes talking to a healthcare provider via video chat or consulting with a remote specialist about your symptoms in telehealth.
Land and Wireless Communications
Land and wireless communication technologies are the two leading technologies that makeup telehealth. Land-based technologies use traditional telephone lines or Internet connections to send and receive audio and video signals between patient and provider.
On the other hand, wireless technologies use radio frequencies to transmit data between devices.
Different Types of Care Available with Telehealth
Lab tests and X-ray results are two of the most important types of care available with telehealth. These tests are vital for diagnosing and treating various diseases and conditions. Lab tests can detect the presence of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
Therapy and Online Counseling
Telehealth offers a wide range of care options, including therapy and online counseling. In addition, it is convenient and accessible, making it an excellent choice for those who need support but may not be able to access traditional counseling services.
Recurring Conditions
Telehealth offers an easy way for people with recurring conditions to get the care they need without leaving their homes. Patients can video chat with their doctors, fill prescriptions, and even schedule appointments with telehealth.
Skin Conditions
Through telehealth consultations, patients can access the expertise of dermatologists from the comfort of their own homes. Telehealth can also reduce the overall costs associated with managing skin conditions.
Prescription Management
This type of care allows patients to have their prescriptions filled by a pharmacy near their telehealth provider. Patients can also have their prescriptions refilled by a pharmacy near their telehealth provider.
Urgent Care Issues
The advantage of telehealth for urgent care issues is that you can get care from specialists’ miles away from your location. In addition, you will not have to wait for an appointment or travel to another city to see a specialist.
Post-Surgical Follow-up
Doctors can monitor a patient’s progress with post-surgical follow-up and provide support and guidance through telehealth.
Components of Telehealth
Live video makes it possible for doctors to communicate with their patients and provide Follow-up care or make changes to the treatment plan if required. In addition, it is helpful in emergencies when a physical examination is not possible.
Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is a telehealth technology that enables clinicians to collect and monitor patient-generated health data outside the traditional clinical setting.
Mobile Health
As the name suggests, mobile health utilizes mobile devices like smartphones and tablets to collect and transmit patient health data.4
These devices can access diagnostic tools and healthcare information, monitor vital signs and symptoms, and track adherence to treatments and medication plans.
Benefits of Telehealth
It is divided into two, such as benefits to patients and health providers. Benefits to patients include:
Lower Cost
The most significant advantage of this new medium is its lower costs compared to traditional healthcare services. Telehealth helps cut down on overhead costs for both patients and providers in many cases.5
Improve Access to Care
Whether someone lives in an isolated rural community with limited access to healthcare services, or an urban area suffering from a shortage of physicians and nurses, telehealth can make quality healthcare more accessible.6
Trusted Source
This innovative online platform connects patients with healthcare providers around the clock. With access to this trusted resource, patients can get quick diagnosis and treatment for their conditions, reducing the risk of complications and improving their overall wellbeing.
Preventive Care
It includes monitoring your blood pressure, weight, body temperature, and heart rate. In addition, if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, you will need to check your blood sugar levels regularly.
Convenience
With telehealth, patients can consult a doctor from any location. It comes in handy, especially for those who have hectic schedules or stay in rural areas where access to quality healthcare is complex.
Slowing the Spread of Infections
Patients can quickly get medical advice and treatment with remote access to medical care. In addition, patients can receive immediate assessments and treatment plans, keeping their symptoms from worsening or infecting others.
Benefits to Health Care Providers
There are many benefits of telehealth to health care providers. They will be detailed below.
Reduced Overhead Expenses
Since telehealth allows healthcare providers to connect with patients remotely, it eliminates the need for costly physical clinics and office spaces. It reduces staffing costs, as fewer doctors and nurses are needed to staff these facilities.
Additional Revenue Stream
Telehealth allows businesses to provide services to a broader geographical area, increasing revenue. In addition, telehealth can help companies save on costs associated with travel and accommodation. As a result, telehealth can be a valuable tool for businesses looking to boost their bottom line.
Less Exposure to Illness and Infections
Telehealth gives healthcare professionals the ability to interact with patients and other healthcare providers remotely, without requiring patients or providers to be in close physical proximity. As a result, people using telehealth are less likely to come into contact with pathogens carried by others.
Patients Satisfaction
It is because telehealth allows patients to have greater control over their care. For example, they can choose when and where to receive care and choose the provider they want to see.
In addition, telehealth gives patients the ability to track their progress and see their medical records.
Telehealth is a new way of providing healthcare that benefits both patients and health providers. With lower costs, improved access to care, and increased convenience, telehealth is an innovative solution that changes healthcare delivery.
Resources
- https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/understanding-telehealth/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth/art-20044878
- https://www.healthit.gov/faq/what-telehealth-how-telehealth-different-telemedicine
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth/art-20044878
- https://medlineplus.gov/telehealth.html
- https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/understanding-telehealth/