Telehealth has been around for several years, but its popularity has spiked due to the pandemic. More people are looking for medical care options that enable them to stay safely within their homes. Likewise, medical professionals are experimenting with new possibilities and alternatives.
For those that do not know – telehealth, also known as telemedicine, provides health care through virtual alternatives, such as phone calls or video chats. There are limitations to this form of care, such as the inability to run bloodwork or see a patient in person. However, it has already started to revolutionize the medical industry. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of telehealth.
Decreases the Strain
There’s no denying that the healthcare industry has been overwhelmed these past few years. Nurses and doctors are overworked and underpaid, with little alternative. Telehealth helps to reduce this strain. It cuts back on resources required for appointments—for example, waiting room space, a clean room, and sterile equipment. In theory, it also helps to cut down on time between doctor appointments, as there is less setup involved.
Along with reducing strain on the medical world, telehealth can help reduce strain on patients. Patients who don’t need to be seen in person don’t have to take time off work, travel, or wait in a crowded waiting room. Likewise, they are less likely to be exposed to a contagious illness.
Increases Access
Unfortunately, many people still face barriers to healthcare. For example, many of these barriers tend to be more physical, with people living well outside a hospital or doctor’s care. Thanks to telehealth, these patients that live in more rural areas can access health care and checkups.
This makes regular appointments more accessible for these patients, as they will no longer have to drive long distances for a brief window. This will hopefully increase the number of patients with yearly checkups, increasing their health outlooks.
There’s another access advantage to talk about – patients with limited mobility have always struggled to make their regular appointments. Often, these patients require more appointments than their counterparts, adding to their difficulties. Telehealth enables them to have these appointments from the comfort of their home, significantly diminishing their problems while ensuring they get the care they need.
Saving Money
The simple truth is that telehealth saves money for both patients and providers. For example, one study found that a telehealth appointment can save between twenty and hundred and twenty dollars. That’s per visit! The savings skyrocket for patients who would have otherwise gone to urgent care or the emergency room (due to lack of options). For providers, the savings are predicted to be in the thousands. For every patient that doesn’t need to enter the facility, they save hundreds, if not thousands.