Thank goodness medicine is no longer restricted to in-person visits. Because really, does every sickness require an in-person visit? Definitely not.
As Julie Shaver noted in her study “The State of Telehealth Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic”, in many instances, telehealth and telemedicine can result in outcomes of the same quality as in-person visits.
Telehealth bridges the gap between patient and doctor, bringing them together in ways never before possible. It allows providers to offer services to those who may not be able to get them otherwise and makes healthcare more accessible overall.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore telehealth and all that it has to offer.
What Is Telehealth Service?
Telehealth uses digital information and communication technology to deliver healthcare services and educational services. In other words, you get access to different types of healthcare through your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
You don’t have to visit a physical location to access these services. No driving, waiting rooms, or any of the other inconveniences that come with standard healthcare. Rather, you can get it from the comfort of your home.
What’s The Difference Between Telehealth and Telemedicine?
I know what you’re thinking. What’s the difference between telehealth and telemedicine?
That’s a fair question. They seem similar, but there are some key differences.
The difference is that telehealth is much broader than telemedicine.
Telehealth includes both clinical and non-clinical services.
Clinical services are like when the doctor helps you troubleshoot your health remotely. They may perform diagnostic tests or ask you specific questions related to your health like, “Does your ear hurt?” With clinical services, the doctor is trying to get to the root of a health problem.
Non-clinical services include medical training, social support, admin meetings, etc. In other words, things that aren’t specifically related to diagnosing or treating a medical condition.
Telemedicine, on the other hand, only includes clinical services. So, while telemedicine falls under the umbrella of telehealth, it is not the only service that falls under this category. Telehealth also includes services like remote therapy sessions and online wellness classes.
Example of a Telemedicine Visit
A telemedicine visit process typically looks something like this. A person (like you) books an online appointment with a health provider, like Amwell or ZocDoc. You connect with the provider via a video call and talk about your symptoms, get a diagnosis, possibly a prescription, and some sort of follow-up plan.
Notice that this is a telemedicine visit. A telehealth visit could be something very different, such as a training webinar, mental health check-up, or diabetes monitoring check-in.
What’s The Purpose Of Telehealth?
The purpose of telehealth is to provide medical care to those who don’t need to or can’t come to a physical location. It cuts down on the need to visit a doctor in person, which is critically important for underserved communities, such as those in very rural areas. Telehealth provides access to healthcare for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to get it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the goals of telehealth:
- Improve access to healthcare for individuals living in remote or rural communities.
- Protect yourself and those around you when dealing with infectious diseases like COVID-19.
- Offer primary care for many conditions.
- Make services more accessible and convenient for individuals with limited mobility, time, or access to transportation.
- Provide access to experienced medical specialists.
- Enhance communication and streamline care coordination between healthcare providers and the individual receiving treatment.
- Offer advice for self-management of health care.
Through a telehealth visit, a mom can get her child’s cough checked out without having to take a day off work and sit in a waiting room for hours. A rural farmer can get antibiotics for his earache without having to drive hours to a doctor’s office.
Key Telehealth Technologies
Telehealth cannot take place with specific telehealth technology, like:
- Video-conferencing software
- Mobile health apps
- Wearable electronic devices
- Electronic health records
These platforms make it possible for healthcare professionals to assess key information and treat individuals remotely. If you’ve ever used Zoom, Amwell, or Teladoc, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Security is also very important in telehealth. To remain HIPPA-compliant, telehealth platforms use encrypted video calls and secure messaging to protect patient information.
Benefits of Telehealth
Now let’s talk about some of the key benefits that come with telehealth services.
- Convenience: First, and possibly foremost, it’s much more convenient for patients. They can receive the care they need without needing to visit a clinic, where they might be exposed to contagious diseases.
- Cost-effectiveness: Telehealth solutions can significantly reduce healthcare costs for both patients and providers. Patients can avoid expensive visits to the hospital and healthcare providers can cut down on the relatively high cost of providing services.
- Improved access to healthcare: Individuals who live in remote or rural areas can receive professional care that they wouldn’t be able to get otherwise.
- Continuity of care: Telehealth enables healthcare providers to better monitor their patients, which is particularly important for chronic conditions like hypertension.
- Safety: Telehealth promotes safety by limiting the exposure of patients to contagious diseases in healthcare settings.
At its core, telehealth is about making health care easier to get for everybody. Everybody should have access to health care and telehealth services are one way that happens.
Importance of Telehealth
Telehealth is very important for a number of reasons.:
Expanding Access To Healthcare
We’ve touched on this but it’s worth looking at in a little more detail. Many people in remote or rural locations can have difficulty getting access to healthcare providers. They have to travel hours just to see a doctor, and they may not have a reliable way of getting there. Telehealth solutions allow these individuals to consult with specialists in locations they could not get to otherwise.
For example, a patient living in a small town may need to travel several hours to see a specialist in a larger city. This can be very expensive and time-consuming, making it almost impossible for them to receive the care they need. Telehealth allows patients to connect with specialists virtually, eliminating the need for travel.
Bridges Healthcare Gaps
There are some individuals who, even though they don’t live in rural locations, simply cannot get access to healthcare services that require in-person visits. This includes those with disabilities, the elderly, and those with mobility issues.
Telehealth consultations can be a godsend for these individuals, allowing them to benefit from virtual care without having to leave their homes. This helps bridge the gap in healthcare services and ensures that everyone has access to necessary medical care.
Convenience For Providers
As we’ve noted, telehealth visits are much more convenient for patients. Telehealth services are also beneficial to providers.
Doctors can significantly improve their work-life balance by offering telehealth and telemedicine options for patients. They can reduce the chances of them burning out and see more patients in an effective manner.
Common Uses of Telehealth Services
Telehealth platforms and services have been adopted widely by medical providers and patients alike. It’s not hard to see why. The convenience, affordability, and accessibility of telehealth services make them a useful tool for a variety of purposes.
Here are some common uses of telehealth services:
Virtual Consultations
Telehealth systems allow patients to receive expert care from primary care doctors, mental health specialists, and other healthcare providers through a simple video call. No need to go to a physical building. No need to wait in crowded waiting rooms. No exposure to other viruses. Everything is done from the safe confines of your home.
Homecare Telehealth
Elderly patients and those with chronic diseases often require a significant amount of monitoring to ensure they stay healthy. For example, patients with diabetes or hypertension need regular check-ins to track their blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Telehealth services allow healthcare providers to remotely monitor these patients through wearable devices and video calls.
Telehealth In Hospitals
Many hospitals are now integrating telehealth into their services. Specialists can consult with patients remotely, reducing the need for travel and in-person visits. This is particularly important for those with limited resources who can’t travel long distances.
For example, say that a person has a rare type of mental disorder that requires seeing a specialist in a different state. Thanks to telehealth treatment, that person can easily consult with a specialist without needing to make costly travel arrangements.
Challenges and Limitations of Telehealth
It’s not all roses and rainbows when it comes to telehealth technology and platforms. There are some major challenges and limitations that need to be addressed for it to be implemented effectively.
Technology Barriers
The reality is that not all people have access to the resources required for telehealth. This includes things like:
- High-speed devices, such as computers, smartphones, or tablets
- Stable internet connection
- Basic technical knowledge to navigate the platform
These barriers can make it difficult for certain demographics to embrace telehealth and telemedicine applications. For example, elderly individuals may not have a smartphone or computer. They also may not know how to book appointments, use video conferencing, or set up their devices for telehealth appointments.
Legal/Regulatory Concerns
Telehealth laws and regulations vary by both country and state. This impacts which services can be delivered and reimbursed by insurance companies. Licensing requirements limit providers from offering care across state lines.
For example, in the United States, a mental health professional may only be licensed to provide services in a few states. There are also significant restrictions on what medications can be prescribed by providers, with heavy limitations placed on any narcotics or stimulants.
Privacy and Security Risks
As we noted above, there are some security risks that come with telehealth services. Telehealth providers must be able to stay compliant with regulations like HIPPA and also protect the data of their patients from any cyber threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Telehealth has transformed the medical landscape, greatly increasing access to healthcare for everyone. It’s not just a convenience anymore. It’s a necessity. It enables faster and more affordable care, especially for those with limited mobility or in remote areas. With its growing popularity and advancements in technology, telehealth is here to stay and will continue to play an important role in delivering healthcare services.