Benefits of Telehealth
Lya Abizhanova
Senior IT Project Coordinator @Elinext | Engage for Innovative Tech Solutions
Telemedicine, which enables video or phone appointments between a patient and their health care practitioner, benefits both health and convenience. More health care providers are offering to “see” patients by computer and smartphone.
Why has there been such a boom in the use of and excitement about telehealth? There are several advantages to using it that benefit patients and providers.
1. Comfort and Convenience
With telemedicine, you don’t have to drive to the doctor’s office or clinic, park, walk or sit in a waiting room when you’re sick. You can see your doctor from the comfort of your own bed or sofa. Virtual visits can be easier to fit into your busy schedule. With telemedicine, depending on your schedule, you may not even have to take leave time from work or arrange for child care.
2. Control of Infectious Illness
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu and other infectious diseases, doctors can use telehealth appointments to prescreen patients for possible infectious disease. It also saves sick people from having to come in to the office.
3. Aids Patients With Limited Mobility
For those patients who struggle with traveling to care settings, telehealth can make a significant difference in wellbeing.
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4. Cost Reduction
Telehealth solutions can reduce costs in various medical disciplines, such as dermatology, pediatric medicine, and cardiology.28?Moreover, general expenses like front desk support, space for medical examination rooms, and material can be reduced. Telehealth opportunities may reflect a favorable add-on for your hospital considering easy-to-use implementation, financial benefits, and cost reduction.
5. Medical access for people without health insurance
Not having adequate health insurance can be an obstacle to seeing a doctor. Many online companies provide cash-pay telemedicine, which doesn’t require health insurance or referrals.
6. Doctors get to stay home too
During the pandemic, many medical offices have closed or reduced their hours. Cybersecurity tools such as virtual private networks have enabled doctors and therapists to treat patients safely from their home offices. This access also allows doctors and patients to connect after hours and on weekends.
7. Emergency psychiatric care
People experiencing mental health emergencies, including those who are at risk for self-harm, can quickly connect with a therapist or psychiatrist at any time of the day or night.