Technology has expanded rapidly in recent years, and its applications in healthcare are improving the way patients can receive care. With the pandemic, telehealth visits started to gain quite a bit of traction, leading providers and patients to find out just how helpful it could be for them to have another way to seek or provide care. With new technological integrations, care can be much easier for patients, and they can get other benefits, as well.
What Does Telehealth Mean?
Telehealth provides patients with a way to speak with a doctor on the phone or through a video call. They do not have to come to the doctor and can, instead, do a virtual visit. Patients often prefer using telehealth appointments when they can’t get to the doctor’s office for a visit, when they’re feeling too ill to go, or when they need help after hours. With telehealth appointments, patients are able to get the care they need, when they need it, and can receive the follow-up care necessary to help them through any health concerns.
Benefits of Virtual Healthcare
Patients can receive a number of benefits by using virtual healthcare options instead of having to go to the doctor’s office any time they have a concern. Some of the benefits available through telehealth visits include the following.
- Expanded Healthcare in Remote Locations – Patients in remote locations can get help quickly without having to drive into town for help or wait weeks for an appointment.
- Keeps Every Safer From Infectious Diseases – If a patient has a disease that can be easily spread to others, they can stay home to avoid spreading it and still get the care they need.
- Provides Care for a Range of Health Issues – Patients can get help for a wide range of common health issues, from headaches to back pain, the flu, and more.
- Makes Follow-up Care Easier to Obtain – It is easier for patients to receive the follow-up care they need after a visit to make sure they’re doing better or to see if they need other assistance.
- Easier Ability to Track a Patient’s Health – Both the patient and their provider can easily track their health, making it easier to spot potential issues or concerns.
- Easier Access to Specialists – Patients can get the referral needed to speak with a specialist without having to go to the doctor’s office for a visit, making it easier to get the referral as quickly as possible.
- Assistance for Patients Outside of Business Hours – Patients are able to get the help they need when they need it, even if it’s outside of regular business hours for the doctor’s office.
Remote Monitoring of Symptoms
Patients have the opportunity to connect their fitness tracker or other health trackers with their physician’s office, allowing for remote monitoring of symptoms and overall health. The technology allows patients to connect their fitness trackers so they can keep an eye on their heart rate, breathing, how much they walk, and more to keep an eye on their health and monitor any symptoms they might have. For those with chronic illnesses, it is easier to connect a variety of devices to help with their care.
Access to a Patient Portal
Patients taking advantage of telehealth services will have a patient portal they can access that provides them with the ability to get more information about their health, see test results faster, request refills of medications, and much more. It is important for the patient to be able to easily handle these tasks, as it ensures they get them done and are able to do more to control and improve their health. The patient portal can also make it easier to pay bills, check on anything that needs to be done, and much more.
Use of Digital Tools and Health Apps
Patients today can use their smartphone to use health apps for a variety of different goals. They may track their health as they age, work on getting in better shape, or use these apps for other reasons. The apps can be used to track symptoms, too, which can then give providers a better overview of what is happening, when symptoms started, and more. These digital tools allow the patient to get the help they need and make it easier for them to receive the right care.
Easier Access to Personal Health Records
Patients who take advantage of telehealth can have an easier way to access their personal health records. If they are keeping all health records organized, this will make it a lot easier to do. This can allow them to check on previous appointments to see the care they received, make sure their medications have not changed without a discussion, or keep track of all healthcare-related expenses they may have. This can make it much easier for caregivers, too, as they can keep track of their patient’s health and easily spot any changes.
Limitations of Telehealth Care
It is important for patients and providers to be aware of the limitations of telehealth visits and virtual healthcare. There is the possibility for easier coordination between doctors, but it isn’t always there and there could be gaps in the person’s care. Patients will want to keep an eye on their care to minimize the potential for any gaps. There is also the potential for the doctor to have trouble providing an accurate diagnosis because the visit is not done in person. For many common ailments, this won’t be an issue, but it is important for patients and doctors to realize that this is possible and to take steps to prevent issues as a result.
When providers are looking for new ways to help patients and to keep up with patient care, telehealth can be the answer. With the integration of modern technology, it is easier for patients to receive the care they need, no matter where they are or what symptoms they’re experiencing. Take a look at a telehealth provider today to learn more about the benefits and how they can help.
