Why telehealth is so important?
Many people face delays in receiving medical attention due to unavailability of doctors or lack of authorization. Telehealth addresses this issue by offering same-day online appointments with providers. This service allows patients to address their medical concerns at any time, from the comfort of their own homes, without any worries.
Subtitle: Telehealth has emerged as a game-changer in the healthcare industry in recent years. With technological advancements and changing healthcare needs, telehealth has become increasingly important in providing accessible, efficient, and quality healthcare services. In this article, we'll explore why telehealth is gaining prominence and its importance in today's healthcare landscape.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
How many people use telehealth services
Telehealth cost-effectiveness
Can telehealth prescribe medicine?
Improved Patient Engagement
Overcoming Geographic Barriers
Telehealth for Chronic Conditions
Telehealth in Mental Health Care
Enhancing Follow-Up Care
Future of Telehealth
Conclusion
Why is Telehealth so important?
Telehealth, or telemedicine, is an innovative approach that uses technology to provide remote healthcare services. It enhances access to healthcare, offers convenience and flexibility, and has the potential to reduce costs. By overcoming geographical barriers, telehealth revolutionizes healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes and overall population health.
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How many people use telehealth services
According to Forbes, the number of telehealth visits witnessed a significant and remarkable increase, skyrocketing from 840,000 in 2019 to a staggering 52.7 million in 2020, all of this happening during the unprecedented and challenging times of the global pandemic. This exponential growth in telehealth visits clearly demonstrates the growing reliance and preference for remote healthcare services, as individuals sought alternative and safer ways to access medical consultations and treatments. In 2021, it had approximately 37% of adults utilized telehealth services, showcasing the enduring and transformative impact of telehealth on the healthcare industry. Telehealth provides unparalleled convenience for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients can access medical consultations from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for time-consuming commutes and long waiting room hours.
Telehealth cost-effectiveness
One of the main reasons why telehealth is increasingly embraced is because it has the potential to cost-effectiveness. By reducing overhead expenses for healthcare facilities, telehealth allows these savings to be passed on to patients, resulting in more affordable healthcare. According to a study published on January 10 in JAMA Network Open, the use of telehealth was found to result in an average cost reduction of $147 to $186 per visit for patients. The study also revealed that telehealth visits resulted in an average time savings of 2.9 hours for driving (round trip) and 1.2 hours for in-clinic waiting per visit.
Can telehealth prescribe medicine?
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Certainly, when a patient is examined by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, they have the ability to prescribe medication through electronic prescriptions for appropriate diagnosis. Now, let's explore the top 10 most frequent telehealth diagnoses. As reported by Definitive Healthcare in 2020,
Generalized anxiety disorder
Essential (primary) hypertension
Anxiety disorder, unspecified
Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
Hyperlipidemia, unspecified
Post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecified
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, combined type
Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis
Mixed hyperlipidemia
Improved patient engagement
According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, telehealth has been found to improve patient engagement. The study found that patients who utilized telehealth services reported higher levels of engagement in their healthcare management compared to those who received traditional in-person care. Telehealth's virtual appointments and secure messaging systems provide patients with convenient and direct communication channels with their healthcare providers, enabling them to actively participate in their healthcare decision-making process.
Overcoming Geographic Barriers
Telehealth is a revolutionary approach that effectively overcomes the limitations imposed by distance. By leveraging advanced technology, patients residing in remote or underserved areas can now access specialized medical care from highly skilled experts, regardless of their physical location. This innovative solution eliminates the need for arduous and time-consuming journeys that patients traditionally have to undertake to receive the same level of care. As a result, individuals in remote or underserved regions can now benefit from the expertise and guidance of medical professionals located far away without having to endure the hardships and inconveniences associated with extensive travel.
Telehealth for Chronic Conditions
Telemedicine has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of chronic diseases, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cardiology Hypertension. The study highlights the benefits of telehealth in providing remote healthcare services and improving patient outcomes. Healthcare providers can remotely monitor patients with chronic conditions by utilizing telemedicine technologies, leading to better disease management. This innovative approach offers convenience, accessibility, and cost savings for patients and healthcare facilities. Telehealth allows patients to access medical consultations from their homes, reducing travel time and waiting room hours. It also eliminates geographical barriers, enabling patients in remote or underserved areas to receive specialized care from experts located far away. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has emerged as a vital solution in the healthcare industry, providing accessible and efficient healthcare services. The future of telehealth is promising, with advancements in technology expected to further enhance its quality and accessibility.
Telehealth in Mental Health Care
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/telehealth-and-behavioral-health, the website provides information about remote healthcare and behavioral health. Telehealth is an innovative approach to providing medical services using technology, which can offer patients convenient, efficient, and high-quality healthcare. The website emphasizes the importance of telehealth in the field of behavioral health, including mental health and substance abuse treatment. Telehealth can help patients overcome barriers associated with traditional in-person healthcare, such as transportation and time limitations. Through telehealth, patients can receive mental health assessments, treatment, and counseling services from the comfort of their own homes, enhancing convenience and privacy. Additionally, telehealth enables collaboration and consultation among healthcare professionals, facilitating team-based and integrated care. Overall, the website highlights the potential and significance of telehealth in the field of behavioral health, providing information and resources for patients and healthcare professionals.
Enhancing Follow-Up Care
After surgeries or treatments, patients often need follow-up care, which can be conveniently provided through telehealth. Telehealth allows healthcare providers to monitor recovery and address concerns without requiring in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for long-term monitoring and survivorship care, as patients can easily check in with their healthcare providers through virtual visits. The use of telehealth for follow-up care has been embraced by medical professionals, such as Dr. Philippe Spiess, a senior surgeon and assistant chief of surgery at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Spiess expects to incorporate telehealth visits into his daily practice, as it offers convenience and flexibility for patients who may have busy schedules or face challenges attending in-person visits. Telehealth not only saves time for patients but also reduces the burden of traveling to healthcare facilities, allowing individuals to access care when it is most convenient for them.
Future of Telehealth
According to (AMA-ASSN) is critical to, more people access telehealth services, are critical to the future of healthcare, with a near-supermajority of the Senate supporting its expansion. Telehealth is crucial in improving access to healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas. It allows patients to receive medical care remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of telehealth, as it enables individuals to access care while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. The widespread support for telehealth in the Senate indicates a growing recognition of its value and potential to transform healthcare delivery. The future of telehealth urgent care is bright. As technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of telehealth in the future, further enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare for patients worldwide. The website The Future of Telemedicine After COVID-19 discusses the impact and future of telemedicine in the healthcare industry. It highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and its potential to transform healthcare delivery. The article emphasizes the benefits of telemedicine, such as increased accessibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. It also discusses the challenges and regulatory considerations associated with telemedicine.
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Conclusion
Telehealth has emerged as a transformative force in the healthcare industry, offering convenient and accessible healthcare services through remote technology. It provides unparalleled convenience for both patients and healthcare providers, eliminating the need for travel and long waiting times. Telehealth also brings cost savings, reducing overhead costs and making healthcare more affordable. Additionally, it promotes improved patient engagement, breaks down geographical barriers, and enhances follow-up care. Telehealth has proven particularly beneficial in managing chronic conditions and providing mental health care. It has also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling healthcare systems to continue providing essential care while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. Although there are challenges to address, the future of telehealth is promising, with advancements in technology expected to further improve its quality and accessibility. Telehealth is revolutionizing healthcare delivery and shaping the future of healthcare worldwide.
References:
Corbett, J. A., Opladen, J. M., & Bisognano, J. D. (2020). Telemedicine can revolutionize the treatment of chronic disease. International Journal of Cardiology Hypertension, 7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijchy.2020.100051
Finnegan, J. (July 16, 2019). In response to patient demand, physician interest in telemedicine doubled. Fierce Health.
