Doctors and patients can leverage this technology to assess whether or not the patient needs treatment in person, provide specific medical care such as mental health treatment and assessments for minor infections, write or renew prescriptions, and offer speech therapy
FREMONT, CA: Healthcare using digital devices such as computers and smartphones has become increasingly popular over the last few years. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for this facility further. This is referred to as telehealth services, and it is set to become the future of the healthcare industry. Telehealth generally depends on video conferencing, but some healthcare providers also offer the service via mail and phone. A large number of patients are now seen using telehealth as their standard medium of healthcare. Virtual healthcare can also be accessed using a dedicated telemedicine application.
Doctors and patients can leverage this technology to assess whether or not the patient needs treatment in person, provide specific medical care such as mental health treatment and assessments for minor infections, write or renew prescriptions, and offer speech therapy. Telehealth can be used to access a wide range of treatments like primary care consultations, psychotherapy, physical therapy, and even some emergency services. Given the current scenario, where social distancing has become mandatory, telehealth proves to be a useful option, and both caregivers and patients are rapidly accepting this technology.
Here are some of the benefits of telehealth for patients.
Lower Costs
Researchers believe that people who use telehealth services spend lesser time on healthcare than when at a hospital. This provides cost savings and reduces commuting time and reduces secondary expenses.
Improved Access to Care
Telehealth is more comfortable to access for people with disabilities. It also breaks barriers of boundaries and other factors, making healthcare available in the most remote locations for people of all ages. This is exceptionally beneficial for senior citizens and the incarcerated who may have difficulty in traveling.
Preventive Care
Telemedicine is more accessible for people to access and acts as a form of preventive healthcare that benefits long term health. This is particularly applicable for people with geographic and economic limitations. A 2012 study revealed that people with coronary artery disease found that preventive telehealth medicine improved health outcomes.
Convenience
The technology allows patients to access healthcare at the comfort and privacy of their homes. This means a person need not take time off work or arrange for childcare services to access healthcare.
Preventing the Spread of Germs
Infectious diseases of all kinds can spread through a contaminated atmosphere, especially in a hospital where lots of people with different diseases are present. This is an even bigger problem today with the COVID-19 situation. Accessing telehealth helps to break the chain and prevent the spread of the virus.
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